Grace Gwyn Michnevitz passed away peacefully with family at her side on January 1, 2023.
Born on March 21, 1942, Grace was brought up on the streets of Brooklyn, New York. It’s where she developed her persevering and endearing accent that matched her prideful Sicilian roots, perfected the skill of making the world’s best cheesecake, and formed her force-to-be-reckoned-with presence.
Grace inspired multiple generations of children, fulfilling her passions as a teacher and principal for more than 30 years in Torrington, Connecticut, where she lived and cultivated a sense of community throughout her adulthood. She, indisputably however, found the greatest joy in raising her own two children, Nicholas and Anthony, and witnessing them both raise incredible children of their own.
In her career and life, Grace mastered bringing a balance of sharpness and softness, earnestness and humor, sternness and warmth into her every day interactions. This was one of Grace’s most defining and loved qualities.
Later in life, she lived in Mystic, Connecticut, spending her days by the ocean, cruising and playing mahjong with friends, and creating laughter-filled memories with family.
Her spirit is carried on by her son, Nicholas P. Michnevitz and daughter-in-law, Lori Michnevitz, as well as her nine grandchildren: Tanya Zito and grandson-by-heart, Christopher Zito, of Killingworth, Connecticut; Alyssa Michnevitz and grandson-by-heart, Griffin Dinsmore, of Astoria, New York; Lindsey Malcolm of Munich, Germany; Jessica Malcolm and grandson-by-heart, Joe Ziemba, of Manchester, New Hampshire; Nicholas Michnevitz of Lebanon, Connecticut; and, Sasha Michnevitz of Middletown, Connecticut. Her love also lives on through her three great-grandchildren: Luke, Cole, and Sara. She has been reunited with her predeceased son, Anthony T. Michnevitz, who passed in 2016.
Her family will hold a private service in her memory. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Grace’s memory to the Torrington High School (THS) Scholarship Fund.
Please direct donations via mail to:
THS Central Treasury, attn: Cathy Boutin
50 Major Besse Drive
Torrington, CT 06790
Please include ‘Grace Michnevitz’ on note.