Grace M. Moore
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Grace M. Moore, 86, passed away June 1, 2024. Grace led an extraordinary life filled with experiences and adventures some can only imagine. She was born Grace M. Pollard, January 18, 1938, in Stockport England. Grace would often tell stories of her young life in England and what it was like growing up there, especially during war time. She would also describe the beautiful villages and country side where she resided and her many childhood friends, who she still was able to enjoy communicating with due to today’s modern technology.
Grace was a devout supporter of the Queen as well as the Royal Family and the Church of England. Grace spoke of the time when she was a young woman working in a factory, where she had the opportunity to meet Queen Elizabeth who was touring the factory. Working various jobs in England at department stores, then finally military bases, Grace began to meet many military personnel who were stationed in England from all over the world. Soon she would soon meet her husband, John J. Moore, a United States Airman. After dating for a brief period of time, they wed February 2, 1963, during how they both described one of the worst snowstorms to hit Huntingdon England. Grace and Jay celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary this past February.
Once John’s tour was up in England, he was being transferred back to the United States. Grace was terrified of flying and her one and only experience was flying on a military plane back to the United States. It was during this flight where she vowed never to fly again. When it was deemed necessary for her to travel back to England to see to her mother, staying true to her word, she travelled back to England via the QE2 ship and while on that voyage she told of meeting Englebert Humperdinck. Once in the United States she met her husband’s family who resided in the Bronx,NY, and then followed with being stationed in Virginia, D.C., Nebraska and then finally settling in Kansas City for the remainder of their lifetime. While residing in Kansas City, Grace made the decision to become a United States citizen, a decision she was very proud of. It was when Grace moved to Kansas City in 1973 when I first met her. I was around 10 years old at the time and I lived next door to Grace and Jay. We formed a quick friendship and having no children of her own she adopted me as her “god-daughter” and I have been blessed every since.
Grace had numerous hobbies and passions she enjoyed. She was a terrific bowler whose team took many first-place championships. She loved dancing, always telling of how she dreamed of being a ballerina. Grace loved nothing more than dancing the night away to a live band and convinced her husband to enjoy dancing too. Grace was part of the Double Decker British wives club, a club which supported wives of U.S. military. She enjoyed music and she loved Branson where she could enjoy meeting many celebrities and hear them sing the songs she grew up listening to. Perhaps Grace’s strongest passion was that for creatures great and small. She was a lover of animals and devoted to making sure animals were treated with kindness and care. Throughout her life Grace took care of and loved a hundred or so dogs, cats, birds- any animal that needed a home found one with her. She took in numerous strays, fed several feral cat colonies and supported the adopt don’t shop way of thinking, adopting several of her animals from local shelters.
Grace is survived by her husband, John Moore, her god-daughter, Sheri Wormsley ( Rick Maude ), cousin Anne Beckett ( England ) special nieces on John’s side of the family, Cali Torgerson ( John ), Donna Martinez ( Paul ) and many other nieces and nephews also on John’s side of the family. Special people who are more family than friends, her best friend Thelma Weatherspoon and her children, Barry, Darryl, Graham, Lori, and BJ.
Grace has requested cremation with no service. In lieu of cards or flowers, a donation to a local animal shelter or rescue organization would be the best way to honor her memory.
Grace has been a friend of my Mothers since 1962 we always regarded her as Auntie Grace, I have known her most of my life. I have very fond memories of her and Jay from when I was young. They rented rooms from my parents in Godmanchester UK untill they left for the USA. I was a small child when they left but was able to see Grace when she came back to take care of her Mum after her Dads passing when I was about 15. I was blessed to be able to take my Mum,Stepdad, my husband and our children to visit Grace and Jay in their home in Kansas City in the 90s and she looked and sounded the same as when I saw her in the 70s. She loved her animals and feed all the birds. Grace was loved by many people not just in the USA but in England too. RIP sweet lady. Give my Mum in heaven a hug. Love always Jane, Tracy and family Alabama USA
Grace’s love and kindness left an indelible mark on our family. She wasn’t just BJ’s godmother; she embraced that role with unwavering dedication. We knew, without a doubt, that Grace and Jay would be there for him if needed. Her passion for animals sparked BJ’s empathy, leading him to his lifelong love of dogs. He adored his godparents, and for that, I’ll forever cherish their presence in our lives.
Grace’s memory will live in the hearts of our family for generations to come.
Rest well Grace and thank you for being the most loving neighbor ever to my daughter and grandson. As the grandkids increased your generosity and love increased with the growth. We love you always and forever.
We, my husband Geoff and myself were neighbours in 1960 at caravan site in Godmanchester, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire. Grace moved back home. Then 1963 we meet again, Grace was then married to J. J. And living in a flat above the Model Bakery. The four of us became firm friends, Grace would buy groceries from RAF Alconbury so cheap for most of her friends. They had many parties. Grace had a lovely personality and was only happy when her friends were around enjoying themselves. She just spread happiness to all. We loved her dog Lucky, she also had quite a personality just like her owner.
My condolences to you Jay, but she will be watching over you. God bless. Jan.
I knew Grace for over 25 years. I remember when she invited me to English functions at her house. We developed a loving friendship. She will be missed.