Beacon Falls-Katherine Louise (Getlein) Grace, 82, beloved wife of Edmund “Ned” Grace, passed away peacefully at Griffin Hospital on Wednesday June 25, 2025, surrounded by loving family and friends. 

Born in Derby, CT on January 28, 1943, Kathy was the daughter of the late Joseph and Marguerite (Kiely) Getlein. A longtime resident of Beacon Falls, she was an integral part of the fabric of the community, church, and political world. 

For 39 years, Kathy was elected to serve as the Beacon Falls Democratic Registrar of Voters and was passionate about protecting the integrity of fair elections and voting rights, regardless of political affiliation.  She was a longtime member of the Beacon Falls Democratic Town Committee, including numerous years of serving as Vice Chair and, later, Chairperson. She was a delegate to many Democratic Conventions throughout her political career, always striving to make life better for all people. As a Justice of the Peace, Kathy officiated many weddings, including the first same-sex marriage in Beacon Falls. 

An activist and feminist with a generous heart, Kathy was known for rolling up her sleeves and initiating creative solutions, often inspiring others to join her volunteer efforts.  She was one of the founders of Citizens for Quality Education for Region 16, and she co-founded Beacon Falls’ first newspaper, The Town Crier.

A natural leader and team builder, Kathy was an engaged member of St. Michael’s Church.  As part of the Church’s nationwide Renew movement, she formed the parish’s Social Ministries Teams, which included Homefront, whose volunteers helped Beacon Falls residents with home repairs; Soup Suppers; and many other team ministries to build community within the parish and town. 

Kathy and  her dear friends, Mary Anne and Claudia, participated in 40 years of annual retreats at Our Lady of Calvary.  It was during one of these retreats that Kathy inspired the trio to begin St. Michael’s first newspaper, The Archangel.

Kathy was an avid reader of books and enjoyed listening and singing along to music from a wide variety of genres. 

She loved to travel and explore with family and friends, embarking on cross country road trips, camping in the woods, an adventurous cruise to Alaska, and overseas trips to Ireland, England, Scotland, Italy, Iceland, and France. Kathy and Ned especially treasured celebrating their anniversary with annual vacations to the coast of Maine.  

 Kathy’s greatest joy was her family.  In addition to her husband Ned, the love of her life for 61 years of marriage, she leaves her daughter Jennifer Grace of Woodbury, Connecticut; son Ned Grace, Jr. and daughter-in-law Hazel of Cambridge, England; son Sean Grace and daughter-in-law Dahlia of Hamden, Connecticut; and her cherished grandchildren Garrett, Brendan and his partner Stephanie, Kathleen, Anais, Connor, Keridwen, Arran, and Fern. She is also survived by her brothers Joseph “Joe” and John “Jack” Getlein; sister-in-law Roberta Getlein; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.  Kathy was predeceased by her parents, Marguerite “Marge” and Joseph “Joe” Getlein; parents-in-law, Margaret “Peg” and James “Jim” Grace; her sister Marguerite “Peg” Sholey; sisters-in-law Corrine Getlein and Margery (Marge) Luciani; brother-in-law Raymond Luciani; nephew Matthew Sholey; and niece Maria Luciani.

 A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday July 17, 2025 at 11 a.m. at St. Michael Roman Catholic Church, 25 Maple Avenue, Beacon Falls.  To send an on-line condolence or share a memory, please visit  www.naugatuckvalleymemorial.com.  The Naugatuck Valley Memorial/Fitzgerald Zembruski Funeral Home, 240 North Main Street, Naugatuck, is assisting the family with arrangements.