Grace E. Colross May 18, 1945 - June 9, 2023

Coral Gables, Florida Grace Eileen Colross, a longtime resident of Coral Gables, passed away peacefully on June 9th, 2023 at the age of 78 after a courageous battle with breast cancer. She is survived by her four children Jacqueline (Steven Ramsey), Caroline (John Brady Nepple), Elizabeth, and Victoria (Bert Hucks) along with 11 grandchildren. She was born on May 18, 1945, in Passaic, New Jersey to Edward and Loretta Benas. Grace traveled the world as a child due to her father’s profession as an engineer. Her favorite memories were of her teenage years in India. Seeing the extreme poverty there heightened her philanthropic spirit which continued throughout her life.

She attended Marquette University in Wisconsin and around that time, became reacquainted with her future husband, James (Jim) Colross, who she met previously at her sister’s wedding. She and Jim were married on August 13, 1966, in Short Hills, New Jersey. After their marriage, they relocated to South Florida where his new business was growing and started their life in Coral Gables.

Grace and Jim raised their four daughters with strong faith and a love of family. Grace gave her time, energy, and strength to many charitable organizations including the Marian Center in Miami Gardens and Saint Mary’s Cathedral. Her strong Roman Catholic faith led her to become a Dame of Malta and a Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museum.

Grace enjoyed traveling, needlepointing, and spending time in her garden. She especially loved impatiens, transporting them from her home in Miami to her home in North Carolina.

Grace was very social throughout her life. In her later years, she enjoyed spending time at Indian Creek Country Club and remained a long-time member of the Coral Gables Garden Club.

Grace is proceeded in death by her husband of 44 years, James Carl Colross and her sister Florence. Grace was lucky enough to find love again later in life with Andre R. (Rick) Fournier.

A Memorial Mass will be held on June 28th at, 10:00 am, at the Church of the Little Flower, located at 2711 Indian Mound Trail, Coral Gables.

Grace will be missed by her loving family and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The Marian Center, located at 15701 NW 37 Avenue, Miami, Florida, 33054. MarianCenterSchool.org.