Grace Sowatsky

Grace Sowatsky (nee Birney), of Evanston, IL passed away Monday, November 24, 2025, at the age of 91 in Creve Coeur, MO. Grace is survived by her three children Bruce (Heidi) Sowatsky, Elizabeth Jagla, and Laura (Marck Bailey) Sowatsky; seven grandchildren Hillary (Jeff ) Hentschel, Abby Sowatsky, Madeline Sowatsky, Zachary Jagla, Nathan Jagla, Piper Bailey, and Zuzu Bailey; and two treasured great-grandchildren Simon Hentschel and Lydia Hentschel.

Grace was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Bruce Sowatsky; and her parents Harry J. Birney and Grace M Carroll Birney.

Grace was a devoted elementary school teacher whose love of learning shaped every part of her life. A proud member of Alpha Delta Pi, she valued the friendships and sisterhood she found there. She earned two master’s degrees—one from the University of Michigan and another from the University of Connecticut—achievements that reflected her lifelong passion for education.

Grace’s interests were as varied as they were meaningful. She enjoyed sewing and pottery, loved reading both history and murder-mystery fiction, and could often be found working through a crossword puzzle. A longtime resident of Lambertville, Michigan before moving to Illinois, she was an enthusiastic fan of the DetroitTigers and the Detroit Redwings, as well as the Chicago Cubs. She was a strong independent woman with a great sense of humor and a twinkle in her eye.

Grace was dearly loved and will be remembered fondly by all whose lives she touched.

Memorials may be made in Grace's name to Maumee Valley Country Day School in Toledo, Ohio OR Baker Demonstration School in Evanston, Illinois.