Grace Ellen Rosboschil

Grace Ellen Rosboschil (Williams) July 27, 1955 – April 22, 2023 Gracie, as many affectionately called her, passed away peacefully at the age of 67, on Saturday, April 22 in Lake Ridge, VA after a lengthy illness. She is survived by her beloved husband Joseph, children Sara Smith (and husband Mark), Cameron Creinin (and husband Ben), Matthew Rosboschil (and his daughter Madison), eldest sister Teresa Johnson (and husband Dale) and cherished Chihuahua Polly. Born in Arlington, VA to Harry and Sarah Madge Williams, Gracie grew up in Springfield, VA where she was a champion gymnast and performed as the lead singer and guitarist alongside her sister Eileen Williams (1952-2017) who sang harmoniously with her and played the banjo in “The Williams Sisters” Bluegrass band. She then continued to pursue music as “Gracie Williams and the Virginians” where she toured and performed with greats such as Ricky Scaggs and Justin Tubb (star of the Grand Ole Opry). After graduating from West Springfield High School in 1973, she excelled as an administrative professional working with multiple employers across many fields including Arlington County Police Department, Amtrak (being intimately involved in the renovation of Union Station in Washington, D.C.) and various Real Estate Developers. In the early ‘90’s, Gracie chose to leave her career and stay at home putting her children first. While at home, she decided to follow her passion for writing by attending Northern Virginia Community College to study journalism as well as taking a job as a school bus driver for Fairfax County Public Schools (following her Mother’s footsteps) which she described as her “heart” job. From 1998 until her retirement in 2009, the best parts of the job were the comradery and friendships she built with other bus drivers, the experiences driving special needs children to field trips and the close relationships she built with the children and their families; also, the common sing-a-longs with the kids as she drove them to and from school. As a lifelong and faithful Christian, Gracie’s compassion, love and empathy for otherswhether she knew them or notwas something her family admired more than anything. She was a Sunday school teacher, active in the church youth groups, led and supported all activities for her children and organized fund-raising efforts for many underprivileged children and animals in need. She could bring a smile to anyone’s face and always sought to do so. Gracie’s family will happily receive visitors on May 15, 2023 beginning at 9:15 a.m. at All Saints Church, 14851 Gideon Drive, Woodbridge, VA 22192. Her Celebration of Life service will follow at 10 a.m., with a reception to follow after the service. As a lover of animals, in lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the ASPCA at https://www.aspca.org/ Gracie’s Family is deeply indebted to the staff of Brookdale Lake Ridge, Tribute at the Glen, Vitas Healthcare Hospice, and Kaiser Permanente Primary, Specialty and Palliative Care Teams; as well as all of the wonderful caregivers and nurses who had a hand in providing compassionate care to Gracie during this long and difficult journey. You are all God’s Angels in our eyes. May God Bless each of you!

Tributes

Grace Ellen Rosboschil

April 22, 2023