Grace C. Raleigh – April 23, 1921 to September 1, 2017

Grace C. Raleigh (Webb), formerly of Mt. Holly, NJ, passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 1, 2017. At 96 years old she was still an avid reader, a ruthless card player, and a charismatic matriarch. She never missed a birthday or special occasion and each year sent hundreds of greeting cards and gifts to her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and anyone else blessed enough to know her. Her thoughtfulness, generosity, and compassion were unmatched.
Grace was born on April 23, 1921 in Philadelphia, PA. She was the daughter of Walter Webb and Grace Heavens, and sister to Russell, Jack, Roy, Walter, George, Eileen, Laura, and Helene. She often regaled her family with stories of her childhood in Kensington – like how she and her brothers chewed tar instead of chewing gum, how she worked at her family’s driving school, and how during the Depression she would be very excited to get fruit for Christmas.
As a teen, she married her first husband, Anthony Passante. Although of English and Irish upbringing, Grace loved Italian culture and carried many Italian traditions on throughout her life. Her second husband, James Raleigh was a career Army man. As a result of their military lifestyle, they enjoyed great adventures throughout the world – including living in both Japan and Germany. Grace was the proud mother of six children – John, Eileen, Anthony, Kathleen, James, and Heather. She was extremely close with her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Grace had a successful career in the Federal Government and continued to work in finance until her mid-70s. Always ahead of her time, Grace judged people only on the content of their character. Her family included people of all races, religions, and lifestyles. She welcomed and loved them all. Grace was the center of her family’s universe and 96 years of her love was not enough.
A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday September 6th at 11AM at the LEE FUNERAL HOME, 317 High St., Mt. Holly. Interment will be in Brig. Gen. William C. Doyle’s Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers due to the cemetery’s restrictions on flowers, donations can be made in memory of Grace to St. Jude Children’s Research. Email condolences to the family at leefuneralservice.com. Arrangements were made with Ed Kaelin III at the LEE FUNERAL HOME, Mt. Holly

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