DOVER - Grace Theresa Passer Jara passed away on Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018 at home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born to the late Victor Passer and Mildred Palumbo Passer on Jan. 7, 1929 in Philadelphia, Pa.
A graduate of West Catholic High School for Girls, Grace worked as a secretary for Reading Iron and Coal Company. Grace married Louis Henry Jara in 1956 and had three children: Louis Victor, Victoria Rita and Mildred Ann. As the wife of an Air Force sergeant, Grace provided a warm and loving home as her husband was deployed overseas during the Vietnam War era. Grace worked as the office manager for the Dover office of Catholic Charities, where she was employed for 31 years. Many described her as the cornerstone of her office, as she was devoted to her many tasks. An active member of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Dover, Grace could be found in the kitchen cooking for dinners, bazaars and school functions. Many fondly remember her performance as "Mother Superior" at the parish Octoberfest celebration. Grace also served as a catechist, proud to pass along her faith. However, Grace's greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, sister and grandmother. She loved to cook and was happiest surrounded by family and friends at her kitchen table.
In addition to her parents, Grace was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Louis; her son, Louis Victor; and her sister, Mary Louise.
She is survived by her loving daughters, Victoria Frazier and husband James of Magnolia, Mildred Anderson and her husband Robert of Bordentown, N.J.; her daughter-in-law, Sussanne Jara of Dover; her beloved grandchildren, Kimberly Jara, Anthony Jara, Matthew and Kate Anderson, Timothy Anderson and Kaysi McLaughlin and Victoria Anderson. Grace is also survived by her beloved sisters, Gloria Gallagher of Longport, N.J. and Barbara Partridge and her husband Edward of Newtown Square, Pa.
Relatives and friends may call Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2018 from 10 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 631 S. State St. Dover, DE 19901. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 12 p.m. Entombment will be private.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Grace's memory to Holy Cross Elementary School, 631 S. State Street, Dover DE 19901 or to St. Thomas More Academy, 133 Thomas More Drive, Magnolia, DE 19962.
Arrangements by Michael J. Ambruso Funeral Director, Inc. Dover, Delaware. Condolences can be made via www.ambruso.com