M. Grace Flannery

April 22, 1951 - October 3, 2020

Grace Flannery passed away October 3, 2020 in Novato California with her wife by her side. A longtime social activist and leadership coach, Grace was loved and admired by friends, family, and colleagues throughout the world. Her highly successful practice was built entirely on word- of- mouth as clients would share appreciation for the great skill and empathy Grace utilized to help them develop “unlikely allies”, successfully navigate serious challenges, and create equitable, impactful organizations.

Grace began her career in the physical sciences but her passion for fairness led her to shift her focus to the social justice arena, including civil rights, women’s rights, LGBTQ rights, inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace, and more. Grace founded her company Leading Spirit in 2001 to bring services to leaders in non- profit and public benefit organizations. More recently, she also cofounded Quantum Culture, whose model of Power and Privilege represents a bold new approach to diversity, inclusion and belonging.

Grace is the fourth of ten siblings and treasured being part of two large clans, her father’s Flannery family and the Lesperance family on her mother’s side. Although born in Michigan, she spent most of her youth in New York and has kept in close touch with family and friends through many gatherings, visits, and reunions. One of Grace’s greatest joys was to be reunited in 1999 with the daughter that she had given up for adoption and to see her incorporated into the family. They formed a close and loving relationship that grew to include a grandson in 2009.

After receiving her master’s degree in physical chemistry from the University of Illinois at Urbana, she moved to California and spent the remainder of her life living in the San Francisco bay area, where she met her wife, Glenda Humiston. They were married in October 2008 at their home in Novato. Grace and Glenda loved to host friends and family for cozy visits as well as large parties and blended together a diverse array of communities. Grace’s ready humor, joy of life and caring soul were a magnet for friends and colleagues from many walks of life.

In addition to her work as a Professional Certified Coach, Grace volunteered for many organizations. Of those she particularly found deep meaning and personal fulfillment working with birth mothers through the On Your Feet Foundation, which she recently helped to transform into MPower Alliance. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: www. mpoweralliance. org/ inhonorofgrace. Other options Grace supported include her work with the LGBTQ+ community through www. horizonsfoundation. org/ make- gifthorizonsfoundation/ or to Planned Parenthood: www. weareplannedparenthood. org/ a/ remembering- graceflannery.

Grace was preceded in death by her parents and brother Paul. She is survived by two brothers and six sisters, her wife, Glenda, her daughter, Meghan Mahoney and grandson Griffin, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Various virtual celebrations of Grace’s life will be held the last week of October by the different communities she belonged to and a more permanent memorial will be announced at a later date.

John McCulloch, Commander USN RET, passed away earlier this year at the age of 72, at his home in Reno, Nevada. John was born in San Mateo, California to Carl and Eugenie McCulloch. He grew up there, attending Park School and Burlingame High School, where he played football for the Panthers. John’s early love of motorcycles and cars brought him a Laverda, which he loved to ride around San Mateo Park with his many friends. Reminiscing about his high school years as a member of the Artesians YMCA Club, John remembered the camaraderie that the meetings generated, and the spirited driving on the way home.

Upon his graduation from high school, John enrolled in Whittier College where he excelled in Business and Math. While at Whittier, John enlisted in the Navy ROTC Program that would commission him a Lieutenant JG upon graduation in 1968. As a Supply Officer, John was sent to Norfolk, Virginia Naval Training Center to learn the supply corps arm of the Navy. Upon returning to Coronado, California for further training, John met his future wife, Nancy Kivell. They were married in La Jolla, California in 1975.

During John’s 22 years in the Navy, he was assigned to several ships. The USS England, CG- 22, a guided missile cruiser, was John’s first ship assignment. As the Chief Supply Officer from 1974- 1976, John was overseeing all purchasing for the ship. Anchored off the coast of Vietnam, the ship served as an R& R center for Marines needing a much deserved rest after their combat engagements. His other ship assignment was the USS Denver, LPD- 9, an Austin Class amphibious transport.

It was commanded by Captain John Poindexter, the US National Security Advisor under the Reagan Administration. He was convicted in April1990 as a result of the Iran- Contra Affair. His convictions were reversed on appeal in 1991. He and John became good friends.

John was awarded several commendations