Mary Grace Miedzinski, "Grace", 84, of Solomons, MD (formerly of Great Mills, MD) passed away peacefully at her home with her devoted family at her side.

She was born on October 26, 1940, in Washington D.C. to the late Joseph Luke Bean and Mary (nee: Smith) Bean.

Grace was a lifelong resident of Saint Mary's County and a 1958 graduate of St. Mary's Academy. She completed two years of college at St. Mary's Seminary Junior College (now St. Mary's College of MD) and transferred to Towson State Teacher's College where she earned her bachelor's degree in 1962. She went on to earn her master's degree from George Washington University in 1978. On November 17, 1962, she married her beloved husband, William Francis "Bill" Miedzinski at Holy Face Catholic Church. Together, they celebrated over 47 steadfast years of marriage. Grace was employed as a teacher with the St. Mary's County Public Schools for 28 dedicated years. She spent most of her career teaching second grade at Greenview Knolls Elementary School but also served on the staff at Chopticon High School for the first several years of her career. In between her high school and elementary teaching years, she taught middle school at Little Flower School.

Throughout her working years, Grace maintained a steady focus on service to the Lord and her community. She led a weekly bible study group, who met faithfully for 30 years. She taught the Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA) at Immaculate Heart of Mary for 20 years, guiding many to the Catholic faith. Worshipping together with her "graduates" from RCIA was among her most deeply satisfying and spiritual experiences. Following her retirement from teaching, Grace worked as the Director of Religious Education at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church.

Grace had a deep love for travel and eagerly explored new places. Shenandoah National Park, "God's headquarters on the East Coast" was one of her all-time favorites as was the country of Ireland. These places were followed closely by anywhere that offered a possible moose sighting. Grace was wild about moose, and she collected moose in every form, from figurines to fabrics, earrings to art. She was always on high alert to spot one in the wild.

Grace poured her creativity into crafts—ceramics, quilting, crochet, and making things that brought comfort and beauty to others. She had a gift for turning simple materials into something special. She enjoyed cooking and thought nothing of cooking a full sit-down meal for family and friends any night of the week, after she arrived home from a full day of teaching!

Grace lit up around babies, especially her grand and great grand babies. Her face would soften, and her voice would change, as she gave each child her full attention and gentleness. To her, there was nothing more precious than holding a baby close.

Grace is survived by her daughters: Tracey Heibel (Jake) of California, MD, Lisa Radar (Tim) of Vienna, VA and Linda Miedzinski (Andrew) of California, MD; sister, Ann Bean Taylor of California, MD; grandchildren: Jeffrey Wettengel (Caroline), Christina Wettengel Seeley (Tim), Michaela Richardson (Andrew), Lauren Heibel (Jackson), and Zachary Radar; great-granddaughters: Winnie Wettengel and twins, Grace and Eva Seeley; her beloved fur baby, Willow; and extended family and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents and husband.

Family will receive friends on Thursday, July 24 from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 22375 Three Notch Road, Lexington Park, MD 20653. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Grace's name may be made to Hospice of the Chesapeake, 90 Ritchie Highway, Pasadena, MD 21122 or online at: www.hospicechesapeake.org

or the St. Vincent De Paul of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church Food Pantry online at:

https://giving.parishsoft.com/App/Giving/ihmrcc

Select "Give Now", "One-Time". Select fund SVDP of IHM to complete the donation.

Condolences may be left for the family at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.