Grace Schiess

Grace Mary VonDiezelski Schiess, passed away peacefully in her home in Virginia on Monday, November 6, 2023. She has made it home in more ways than one; into the Lord's hands our heavenly father; reunited to rest with the love of her life Edward A. Schiess in Tenafly, NJ. She was a true testament to faithfulness and forever love and grace throughout her life. Living up to the name her brother gave her, she exemplified grace each and every day. Grace was born in Bronx, New York in May 1933 and grew up going to all the shows and theatre that the city had to offer as her parents didn’t miss a show. Her family later moved to New Jersey and settled in to life in the Jersey suburbs. She graduated from Fort Lee High School in 1951. Marrying her prince “Eddy” right after graduation, they settled in on Madison Ave. in Cresskill. Eleven children were born from their union along with 18 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Grace was a wonderful beautiful woman, a dedicated wife and mother with more strength of character than anyone. With a heart of gold willing to do whatever she could to help others. She raised all of her children as a widow with the help of her mother after losing the love of her life at 36. She always put her children’s needs above her own; all while showing such strength and faith. Making large dinners and hospitality came easy for her as she loved to cook for others. Grace was a Portrait Artist as well as painting anything under the sun that she fancied. She worked at Busch Gardens in Tampa Florida in the 70’s painting portraits as a second income and hobby that she loved. Teaching her children her love of art and those that would sit long enough for a portrait, have many to look back on. Two of her children and a few grandchildren are talented artists themselves. Her other interests were in reading books and writing; she once wrote a screenplay. Grace was preceded in death by her brother Donald VonDiezelski; father Paul VonDiezelski; husband Edward A. Schiess; mother Mary VonDiezelski; two sons, John Joseph and Christopher Francis, and her grandson, Christopher Jr. She leaves to cherish her memory and carry on her legacy, her devoted children; Donald, David, Edward, Paul, Joseph, Thomas, Maria, Cathleen, and Grace. Grandchildren; Melissa Minton, Sondra Schiess, Shaylen Broughton, Stephanie Wood, Shawn, Dennis, Jovan, Penny, Thomas Schiess, Justin Schiess, Addison Hunter, Rebecca Schiess, Jacob Schiess; and many great-grandchildren. The many extended family members; those that married into the family she welcomed as her own. Now we really understand grief and wonder how she plowed ahead in life. With faith and grace she seemed so strong and grounded even though her heart must have been broken at times; it did not show on the outside. May we all be as strong and grateful for each day regardless of what that day may or may not bring. You can still make a difference when you choose to live and love in life, regardless of loss. A private memorial service took place on November 13th officiated by Barrett Leber Funeral Home; interred at Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Tenafly, NJ with her love Edward. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be made at barrettleberfuneralhome.com