Grace Jareckie (Jones)

January 17, 1931 — January 7, 2022

Bennington " Grace Jones Jareckie, 90, passed at home on January 7, 2022. Born in Goldsboro, NC on January 17, 1931 to Clara Carraway and Zeb Vance Jones, Grace spent her childhood in Kinston, NC. She was the recipient of a full scholarship from an anonymous donor to attend East Carolina College. Upon graduation in 1956 Grace packed one small suitcase and took the train to Bennington, VT to work at St. Peter's Church. She moved into a rooming house on Valentine Street and shared meals with other roomers at Pappy and Helen Churchill's house. It was there that she met her late husband David Jareckie. After marrying they bought The Old Stock Farm and together they created a home full of love, warmth, humor and hospitality.

Living in Vermont, Grace developed a passion for vegetable gardening, cooking, nordic skiing and running. Grace's primary focus was being a full time mother. After her children were grown Grace worked at Porta-Brace (formerly K&H Products) as a designer of professional videography cases for journalists and filmmakers.

Grace was an utterly selfless person who always put the needs of others ahead of her own. Her main interest was people and their wellbeing. Her welcoming and friendly personality created a home that was open to any and all that offered a place at the table or a bed to sleep in at a moment's notice. She regularly "adopted" friends as members of the family. Conviviality and freedom of expression pervaded the household and lead our family to be coined 'The Walton's on Acid'.

Grace is survived by her daughters Ellen Jareckie, Ann Jareckie, and Wren Sugarman, and her son David and his wife Sherry, grand children Jake Sugarman, Ben and Jenny Jareckie. She leaves behind her sister Ann Thomas (Bill) of Longview, WA and a large extended family.

Grace was predeceased more recently by her beloved nephew William 'Sandy' Sumner, and brother-in-law Stephen Jareckie.

The Jareckie Family would like to thank the caretakers at VNA/Hospice, and At Home Senior Care whose dedicated care of Grace in her final months were truly appreciated. According to Grace's wishes there will be no services. There will be a private ceremony at the family plot in the pasture at her home. In lieu of flowers we hope you will consider a contribution in memory of Grace to Bennington County Habitat for Humanity through the office of the E.P. Mahar and Son Funeral Home, 628 Main Street, Bennington, Vermont 05201.

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Grace Jareckie (Jones)

January 17, 1931 — January 7, 2022

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