Teresa Grace

With deep love and heavy hearts, we announce that Teresa Maria (Liva) Grace, aged 94, passed away peacefully surrounded by family after a prolonged battle with dementia on May 22, 2026, at her home in Liberty Township, Ohio. She was born on November 6, 1931, and raised in Norwood, Ohio.

She was preceded in death by her parents Alfonso and Maria (Cian) Liva; brother-in-law, Farhad “Jack” Naghdi; and step-grandson, Shane Hooks.

She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 69 years, Richard Thomas “Dick” Grace; her children Kathleen M. Roberts of West Chester, OH; Richard T. (Dawn) Grace, Jr. of Fairfield Township, OH; Teresa M. (Patrick) Hooks of Texhoma, OK; and Jennifer M. (Jeffery) Nichols of Bellevue, NE; her sister, Mary Naghdi; seven grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, and sixteen great-grandchildren who fondly called her their “Nonna”; as well as many nieces and nephews.

At the heart of her cherished legacy were two things: family and faith. She supported her children’s activities, managed the household finances, did her own decorating, threw unforgettable parties, and was a legendary cook and baker. Her dozens upon dozens of Christmas cookies were anticipated by family and friends every year! As an active member of her church, she welcomed newcomers, had a fierce devotion to Mother Mary, and believed in the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. She was a prayer warrior and said the rosary daily.

Teresa had many lifelong friends with whom she made lasting memories over the years. They had regular bridge gatherings, bowled, crafted, shared books, and traveled together. She was the only girl among 22 boys on her street until her sister was born. This would explain her passion for sports, especially her love for the Cincinnati Reds! She played volleyball, tennis, golf, and was an avid reader. As an adult, she learned how to water and snow ski. Dancing, especially at wedding receptions, delighted her immensely and she was good at it! She was always up for an adventure, including traveling all over the USA and the world with the love of her life, Dick, as well as her family and friends.

Never afraid to embrace new challenges, she bought one of the first home computers and went a step further by attending classes to learn BASIC computer programming. She loved technology and what could be accomplished with it. She kept in touch with people, archived her recipes, typed her husband’s 300-page memoir, and kept sharp by playing solitaire. But she always enjoyed the old school puzzles, particularly cryptoquip and crosswords, in the newspaper!

Through her numerous hobbies, she showed off her artistic and nurturing talents. She painted, did needlework, crocheted, and knitted. Her skills and flair for design led her to open a craft store called the Village Peddler in West Chester in 1976. It was ahead of its time (before Michael’s was nationwide) as a place to get craft/art supplies and lessons. Using her exceptional aptitude in sewing, she passed on her knowledge to the next generation as a 4-H leader. She made most of her own clothes as well as her children’s for many years. She tended to her gardens, which nourished her family and surrounded her homes with beauty.

Teresa was a beloved wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, and above all, disciple of the Catholic church who will be dearly missed.

Celebration of Life is Monday, June 1, 2026. Visitation begins at 10am followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11am at St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church, 5720 Hamilton Mason Rd, Liberty Twp, OH 45011.

Rite of Committal (interment) will follow immediately after luncheon at Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery, 11000 Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45249.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Teresa’s honor are suggested to Hospice of Cincinnati, www.hospiceofcincinnati.org (PO Box 633597, Cincinnati, OH 45263) or Cincinnati Right To Life, www.cincinnatirighttolife.org (2406 Auburn Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45219).