Grace J. Dearborn

Grace Julia (Small) Dearborn, 98, died peacefully on Friday, November 14, 2025 at the Life Care Center of Wilbraham. She was born on May 27, 1927 to the late Gordon and Bernice (Lyman) Small in Springfield, Massachusetts. Grace lived a meaningful and memorable life for nearly a century by having determination and courage. She had unwavering loyalty to her family, whom she always put first and loved unconditionally. Grace was fiercely independent and as sharp as a tack her entire life. She had an extraordinary work ethic. Grace graduated from Springfield Trade High School and worked at a local luncheon counter during World War II. Grace taught herself to sew and was able to seek employment for many years in the Indian Orchard mills, Carter's, Gemini and Rainbow Coats. She was proud of earning her tailoring certificate during a night program while also working and raising her family. Grace was very proud of the many circus jackets that she made for the Shriners staff and she made hundreds of velour shirts for sale in her business known as Wilbraham Shops Cleaners in Wilbraham that she ran for 20 years. After retirement from her business, Grace continued to work as a part-time retail employee until her mid 70’s. Grace will be remembered for her stylish outfits and was a member of the Red Hat Society.

In addition to her parents, Grace was also predeceased by her former husband of 22 years, Edward Dearborn, Sr., and by her two sons; Edward Dearborn, Jr. and Paul Dearborn, her sister Mildred Moosman and her son-in-law Walter Wanczyk, Jr. Grace is survived by her three devoted daughters and their spouses; Janet Wanczyk, Linda and Daniel Burnett, and Deborah and Joseph Pelletier, daughter-in-law Judy Dearborn, 8 grandchildren; Bruce Plate, Barbara Pliska, Daniel Burnett, Jr., Cori Medeiros, Steven Dearborn, Robin Combs, Dianna Pelletier and Jeremy Pelletier, numerous great and great-great grandchildren, her sister Rosalie Pike and many dear nieces and nephews. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the nurses and staff at Life Care of Wilbraham for their care, kindness and support during the last 5 years of Grace’s life.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, November 19th from 10-11:30am at Wilbraham Funeral Home, 2551 Boston Road, Wilbraham, followed by a funeral service at 11:30am. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Grace’s name to Shriners Hospital for Children, 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104.