Grace Hatch

Grace F. Hatch

Age 84 of Braidwood, passed away Monday afternoon, March 5, 2018 at Morris Hospital.

Born May 6, 1933 in Braceville, Illinois, Grace Frances was a daughter of Louis and Frances (Feltenz) Buffo. She was raised on the family farm and graduated from Gardner-South Wilmington High School with the Class of 1951. Following high school, Grace went to work for the Joliet Arsenal, and it was during that time she met Gerald L. Hatch, whom she went on to marry December 27, 1952 in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Braidwood. Aside from raising her family, Grace worked outside the home, including employment with Grinchuck Pants Factory and McComb Poultry Farm. She also waitressed at Barnett’s, bartended at Dillon’s Tavern and cashiered at Clubside Liquors in Braidwood until retiring in 1987. Grace remained a dedicated member of Immaculate Conception Parish in Braidwood, and took pleasure in garage sales and camping. In addition to her vast interests, Grace also loved to fish, and was proud to have landed a record crappie.

Family was of utmost importance to Grace, and she cherished spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom fondly referred to her as 'Nana' / 'Nonna'. She was a “mom” of many, and will be remembered for her love of baking, as well as her delicious brownies, which she faithfully made for family and friends.

Survivors include her husband of 65 years, Gerald L. Hatch, Sr; three children: Gerald L. Hatch, Jr. of Wilmington, Louis Hatch of South Wilmington and Francine Palmer of Emington; grandchildren: Nicole (Tom) Harrah, Nicholas Palmer (fiance' Marissa Brown), Derek Carter and Tiffany Schmidt; great grandchildren: Cameron Palmer, Kennedy Grace Palmer, Rachel Harrah, Jonathon Harrah, Joshua Harrah, Ashlyn Carter, Katelyn Carter, Heyli Schmidt, Alyssa Schmidt, Madison Schmidt and Cayden Schmidt; nieces and nephews: George McComb, Wayne (Judy) McComb, Kenneth (Becky) McComb, Brett (Laura) Hatch, Julie Pasel and Robyn Hatch-Smith, and numerous cousins.

Grace was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Dominic Buffo and two sisters: Agnes McComb and Mary Buffo.

The family will receive friends for a visitation at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 110 South School Street in Braidwood on Thursday, March 8, 2018 from 11:30 a.m. until time of funeral service 1:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Reverend Robert Noesen presiding.

Private family burial and committal services will follow in Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Braidwood.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Grace’s memory to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 110 S. School Street, Braidwood, IL 60408

Family and friends may sign the guest book, upload photographs or share Grace’s memorial page online by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Coal City. (815-634-2125)