Grace L. Wetzel

Grace Loretta Wetzel (nee O’Connor), 95, passed away on February 28, 2026, leaving behind a family shaped by her love, her faith, her Irish grit, and the many traditions she kept alive.

Grace was born on March 22, 1930, in Chicago, Illinois, and spent much of her life in the Rogers Park area, Palos Heights, and Lemont. She was the daughter of James Joseph O’Connor and Agnes (nee Carden) O’Connor. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Albert “Al” C. Wetzel, her parents, and her daughter-in-law, Cathy Wetzel.

Grace attended St. Scholastica School for Girls in Chicago for both grammar school and high school. Her favorite memory was the school tradition of May Crowning every Spring. She loved to dance and dreamed of one day becoming a dancer. One of her most cherished roles was performing as the Snow Queen in a solo ballet performance. After graduating in 1947, she attended Mundelein College in Chicago and later Marquette University in Milwaukee.

More than anything, Grace was the heart of her family. She was the loving mother and grandmother to her children David (Nancy) Wetzel, Jeannie (Alan) Vickers, Dennis (late Cathy) Wetzel, James (Bonnie) Wetzel, and Kathy (Tim) Gallagher; her grandchildren Shannon Vickers, Shawn (Tara) Vickers, Bridget Wetzel, Kerry Wetzel, Kevin Vickers, Timothy (Shilpa) Gallagher, Patrick (Olivia) Wetzel, Keegan (Myverick) Wetzel, Michael Wetzel, Elly (Kyle) McNicholas, Grace Gallagher, Mary Kate Wetzel, Jack Gallagher, Christopher Wetzel, and Jessica Wetzel; her great-grandchildren Chloe, Kendall, Greer, Lennox, Indie, Grayson, Caiden, Conor, Aidan, Kinsey, and Penelope. She also leaves behind many dear relatives, friends, and so many people whose lives were made gentler by knowing her.

Grace and Al were married on August 6, 1955 at St. Margaret Mary Church, Chicago, IL. Grace was a homemaker in title, but she was so much more: the keeper of family traditions, the quiet caretaker, the steady presence, the number one supporter of the football teams her husband Al coached, the thoughtful one who almost always put the needs of others before her own. She had beautiful, piercing blue eyes and a warm smile that made people feel seen, welcomed, and loved.

Grace was a strong and determined woman. While pregnant with her second child, St. Benedict’s College (her husband’s alma mater) bestowed an honorary degree on Grace, a P.H.T. - Pushing Hubby Through. No degree was more deserved. One of the greatest hurdles she overcame was recovering from a car accident in 1965 that left her in a coma, paralyzed on one side of her body, and suffering for a time from epileptic seizures as a result.

Her Catholic faith was the foundation of her life. A devoted member of St. Alexander Parish in Palos Heights, Grace often attended daily Mass and volunteered faithfully at the church and school. Many will remember her affectionately as one of the “hot dog ladies,” helping make school lunches a special day for the children.

Grace loved her Irish heritage and passed it on in ways both big and small. She baked love into every holiday through the cookies her family still cherishes and makes today: candy cane, icebox, thumbprint, and shamrock. Her home, like her heart, made room for everyone, including the dogs she adored and who adored her right back.

Her family will always hear her voice in the sayings that made everyone smile. If someone forgot what they were going to say, Grace would smile and say, “It must’ve been a lie.” If something at the store didn’t have a price, she’d say, “That means it’s free.” And family members knew better than to share a dream before breakfast, because Grace would warn that otherwise it might come true.

Grace’s life was a gift to all who knew her, and her love, faith, and traditions will live on through the family she cherished so deeply.

May the road rise to meet her, may the wind be always at her back.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Alexander School, 7025 W 126th St, Palos Heights, IL 60463

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