Lucille R Grady, age 88, of Amboy passed away on Sunday Nov. 19, 2023 at Franklin Grove Living and Rehab.
She was born on July 24, 1935 in Mendota, IL, the daughter of George and Catherine (Sharkey) Schwamberger. The youngest of four children, she often spoke fondly of the many antics her and her siblings would get up to while growing up on the west side of Amboy.
Lucille was a graduate of Amboy High School (class of 1953). It was there where she would meet the love of her life James H. Grady, who would often go out of his way to give her rides home.
After exchanging many letters during his time in the army, Jim finally came home and proposed to Lucille. They were married on May 18, 1957 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Amboy.
As the years passed they were blessed with five children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Every fall and spring, she could be found working alongside her husband on the farm they owned in Ohio, IL. When they weren’t farming, Lucille and Jim would spend their time traveling. They enjoyed visiting Ireland, Italy, Panama, Hawaii, Alaska, and taking many trips to Branson, MO.
Whether it was driving the tractor, learning to drive while pregnant, or cooking the best mashed potatoes, there was nothing Lucille could not do (except make ketchup).
She was always present at her grandchildren’s extracurricular activities and always was one to make sure everyone felt included in family events. She kept active throughout her life, enjoying many walks with her dear friend Virginia Leffelman.
She was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Amboy where she participated in the guitar and adult choir. She was also a member of the Altar and Rosary Society, helped with funeral dinners, and volunteered with the March of Dimes. A cancer survivor herself, Lucille participated in many Relay for Life campaigns.
She is preceded in death by her parents, son in law Carl Alesio, and sister Mary Bullard. Lucille is survived by her husband Jim, children LuAnn (Anthony) Costello of Arlington IL, Karen Alesio of Schenectady NY, James E. (Linda) Grady of Amboy, Janet (Myron) Leffelman of Maytown, Mike (Renee) Grady of Dixon, 13 grandchildren 11 great grandchildren, sisters Margaret Castle of Rock Falls, Kathleen Bodmer of Dixon, and Brother George (Barb) Schwamberger of Franklin Grove.
Funeral services will be on Tuesday Nov. 21, 2023 at 11:00 AM at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Amboy. Burial will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery in Amboy. Visitation will be on Tuesday Nov. 21, 2023 from 9:00 AM until 10:45 AM at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Amboy. Arrangements by the Mihm-Jones Funeral Home in Amboy.
