Grace Audrey McDonnell, age seven, died tragically on Dec. 14 at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. Grace came to Edgartown with her family every summer; her dream was to be a painter and live on the Vineyard. A beautiful and artistic soul, Grace was a gift from God and represented all that is good in this world. She was passionate about painting and loved the beach.
Grace Audrey McDonnell, age seven, died tragically on Dec. 14 at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn.
Grace came to Edgartown with her family every summer; her dream was to be a painter and live on the Vineyard.
A beautiful and artistic soul, Grace was a gift from God and represented all that is good in this world. She was passionate about painting and loved the beach.
She last visited the Vineyard in August with her family. “She has a CB Stark bracelet; it is with her,” Grace’s mother Lynn Zapf McDonnell told the Gazette.
She was born on Nov. 4, 2005, the daughter of Christopher and Lynn Zapf McDonnell of Sandy Hook.
The Vineyard played a large part in Grace’s life, and her parents recounted this when they met privately with President Obama who traveled to Connecticut following the tragedy. “I told him you had two things in common, and the first was a love of Martha’s Vineyard,” Lynn McDonnell said.
In addition to her parents, Grace is survived by her big brother Jack Sheridan McDonnell of Sandy Hook; maternal grandparents Frederick and Sheila Dunn Zapf of Stony Brook, N.Y.; paternal grandmother Mary Ann Gorbutt McDonnell of Shelton, Conn.; and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Grace was predeceased by her paternal grandfather Lawrence P. McDonnell and her namesake, maternal great-grandmother Audrey Dunn Franz.
Calling hours were Thursday. A memorial mass will be celebrated Friday, Dec. 21 at 11 a.m. in St. Rose of Lima Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations may be made to the Grace McDonnell Memorial Fund at Fairfield County Community Foundation. Please make checks payable to the Grace McDonnell Memorial Fund at FCCF and mail to Fairfield County Community Foundation, 383 Main Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851.
Mrs. McDonnell said Grace spent countless happy hours at Lighthouse Beach and State Beach in Edgartown, and the family has future plans to have her name placed in a cobblestone alongside others at the Children’s Memorial beneath the Edgartown Lighthouse.
“We are hoping to have Gracie’s name at the Light; she was the light,” her mother said.
Comments
God took Grace and all of the
Blake FieldGod took Grace and all of the other children Home to Heaven. They are having a wonderful time laughing, playing, running, and worshiping Jesus up their in Heaven. I can't wait to see Grace and all of the other children when I get to Heaven and worship with them. I am praying for healing for the families that lost their children and I pray that they will find healing and receive Jesus Christ through this tragedy and I pray that they will see that their children are in Heaven. Merry Christmas to the victims of this tragedy and Jesus Christ is the meaning of Christmas!!!
Im so sorry for your lost! No
SaraIm so sorry for your loss! No family deserves this. R.i.p to all those angels that died that day! Let us never forget!
So sorry for your loss. What
Leslye Mahoney Folsom, CASo sorry for your loss. What a remarkable little girl she was and she will live in the hearts and mind of all that learned about her thru your story. I listened to your interview the other evening and I was so touched and moved by it. Your courage and strength I don't know how you did it. But her memory will live on with you and yours and I pray for you and your husband and your family during this so very difficult time. She was a beautiful little soul. God Bless and take care of you all, my thoughts and prayers are with you all! Leslye
My thoughts and prayers are
Sarah McDonnell West Tisbury MAMy thoughts and prayers are with the McDonnell family and the community of Newtown. I spent part of my childhood in Newtown and know it is a special place. I pray that you will treasure the memories made while on the Vineyard. Grace and your family will be in my prayers.
I wish this had not happened
barbaraI wish this had not happened to Grace and her community, no one deserves this.
It would be a nice tribute to display her drawings. I'd love to have a copy of the drawings Grace had created in rememberance of her. It would be nice if you made copies and sold them. I'm sure many people would love to purchase them for their home or job.
I, too am so sorry for your
Melody Jackson Jacksonville, FloridaI, too am so sorry for your loss. I pray you continue to find solace thorugh more kindness efforts. Praying for your strength. I was motivated to comment after reading Chris Johnson's story. #26acts
As i ran along beach road
Joan Edgartown MaAs i ran along beach road yesterday morning a rainbow appeared connecting the pond to the ocean and from my view directly over "the jumping bridge". Little Grace was on my mind as I had watched the interview with Anderson Cooper. I was sure that she had spent time around that bridge and possibly it was on her list of "things to do ". I smiled and shed a tear for her and her family.When I returned home I left a message at the Museum for the person in charge of the lighthouse memorial with the intention of discussing adding Graces name. I now see that her mother has this in mind and possibly with a little fundraising we can do this for them. Will see what I can put together after i talk to the museum this morning.
Joan,
Kristen Jenkinson Edgartown, MaJoan,
I think that is a fantastic idea and I would be willing to help fundraising for the money to add Graces name on a brick infront of the lighthouse. I see her mother said she loved it there. I think that would be a nice way to honor this sweet angel...and for her family as well. I pray for them regularly, as.well as the other children, thier families and the adults who.lost thier lives on that horrible morning.
If you think I could be of some help please reply to this message and I will gwt my phone number to you.
As for Grace's family...I think of you often and I hope you find some peace in knowing that many people are praying for you. Grace.may you rest in peace with God and his angels, as well as the friends and teachers that were.also taken that horrible day...
Kristen
December 21st, 2012
LaVonne Pala, CADecember 21st, 2012
There are no words, only hope and love can bring us through this unbelieveable tragedy...Gracie and the newly born angels in Heaven will continue to be an inspiration, a guiding light in the darkness to us all. A remembrance that life continues in Heaven and there never dies...Gracie and her friends are now surrounded by the Peace that is everlasting...in the palm of God's hand for all eternity...
I am so very, very sorry for
Tonya Charlotte, NCI am so very, very sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my constant thoughts and prayers. I know that there is very little than can ease your anguish but I pray that the grace and love of the Lord will be with you and that He will hold you in his hands. God bless you.
So sorry for the loss of a
j mvSo sorry for the loss of a beautiful little girl.
I will think of your
Cathy BostonI will think of your beautiful little girl everytime I sit on State Beach or on the porch of the Harborview. My very deepest sympathy to you and the families of Newtown.
............ I will not find
Eugene Mirer Laval, Qc, Canada............ I will not find any right word to say to you...... This is such a BIG LOSS......I will always remember that little girl picture since first time I saw it in the net...... Usually, I never cry, but ... it's so difficult not to cry when I look again and again for your little girl and other kid and adult victim's pictures at that tragic day...... I simply don't know how to explain THIS and would like to support you with my thoughts every day............................
What a beautiful child and I
Paul EdgartownWhat a beautiful child and I am sorry for your loss. The island of MV will be forever in her and nothing can take that away. Her gift to the island will forever be her smile and innocence.
I was so touched by your
Marla Linde Fresno, CA.I was so touched by your moving tribute to your beautiful Grace on CNN the other evening with Anderson Cooper. The depth of your love and beaming sense of pride was depicted with such 'grace', admiration and strength. I pray that peace will come, in time, knowing that the loving memories of your little angel will live on in your hearts and minds forever. She is safe now and will forever rest in peace, painting the beauty of God's heaven. God bless you and your family each and every day...
Deepest sympathy on the
Dick Abbott North Reading,Ma.Deepest sympathy on the untimely passing of beautiful Grace.She is now amongst the angels and praying that we can learn and move on from these moments of deep sadness.God Bless!!!
My daughter Lexie and I
Arlen Roth CT and Martha's VineyardMy daughter Lexie and I remember playing for Grace at the Harborview, and now on the eve of the birth of MY late child, Gillian, I can only share in your grief, and just as MV meant so much to the wonderful Grace, so did it to my darling Gillian. We send all our love and thoughts to you. Arlen and Lexie Roth
This has really touched my
Jessica Henderson charlottesville, vaThis has really touched my heart. I didnt know any of these people until last Friday, but my heart and prayers go out to each victims family. Lil angels take at such a young age....R.I.P children your father, thy all mighty God will keep u safe from all danger.
Its so sad. All the prayers
Kara Steigelman EdgartownIt's so sad. All the prayers go out to the family. It's a bad time to lose a beautiful little girl. She will be missed on Martha's Vineyard.
I had to write and let you
Leslie kotonski Aurora ohI had to write and let you know that you and your beautiful Grace have made such profound impact on me after watching your interview with Anderson Cooper. The love and peace you shared was so inspiring. She was and is an angel and I will not forget her
May this tragedy be a lesson
Cindy Key WestMay this tragedy be a lesson for us all to live life to the fullest, love and laugh like Grace everyday
Having lost a daughter myself
HughW Scarsdale & ChilmarkHaving lost a daughter myself, I know the void that you will always have in your heart along with the joy of having her in your life for the time she spent on earth. Seeing your faces and smiles on CNN last night with Anderson Cooper told me how blessed she was to have you as her parents.
Angels we have heard on high.
Joann Flodine Gold coast AustraliaAngels we have heard on high....all 26!
I will think of your angel
Fran EdgartownI will think of your angel every time I see the Edgartown Lighthouse and every time I pass State Beach. God bless you and your family and know that your Grace will always be in our hearts.
I am so sorry about your loss
Kalli Sacramento, CaliforniaI am so sorry about your loss. God bless you in heaven. +
I am heartbroken and I feel
Jacynda Rodeman MinnesotaI am heartbroken and I feel so sorry for what happened 12-14-12 I cry all the time I see pics of grace cause she is so beautiful and cute.!
What a tragic loss for all of
Judee Barron Fl. And MVYWhat a tragic loss for all of us. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and I will think of your Angel Grace as I see the beam on top of the lighthouse.
Dear Mr. and Mrs. McDonnell,
Donna Wickert Slingerlands, New YorkDear Mr. and Mrs. McDonnell,
Your interview with Anderson Cooper has been an inspiration across the country and for the world.Your precious little Grace has brought light and goodness through your words of compassion and forgiveness. What a lesson for all of us on earth on how to live and love. There is no doubt that as Jesus surrounded himself by the little children when he walked the earth that you beautiful one and her awesome friends have been embraced into the arms so completely. You are not alone. We are walking with you on this journey of grief, forgiveness, and faith.
May God walk with you every step of the way. Your amazing Grace continues to brighten the Universe with her magnificent and graciousness presence. The world has fallen in love with her and her sweet friends . Grace has filled the heavens and the earth with her light, her love, and her peace. She is safe in the arms of our heavenly Father forever. You have taught the world a lesson of this Peace that she shared with everyone during her time with us. Thank you and God be with You. Donna
Look at the sweet and
Xiaoling J Fogel LexingtonLook at the sweet and beautiful little girl, my heart is broken! My family and I visited Vineyard almost every summer, so I wish I had met little Grace there, she was so special. Her parents are so lovely people(from the TV interview), I wonder if they plan to have another baby, and I hope they are considering even could try via IVF.
U AGREE WITH YOU. GRACE
NATALIE VIVALDI-ANDERSON MARIN COUNTY, CALIFORNIAI AGREE WITH YOU. GRACE BECAME MY FAVORITE OF ALL THE CHILDREN AS SHE SO RESEMBLED MY DAUGHTER WHO IS NOW 30, I CONTINUED TO THINK ABOUT HOW I WOULD RESPOND TO THIS SAME SITUATION. IT IS A TERRIBLE TRAGEDY - ONE WHICH DID NOT NEED TO HAPPEN. I CONTINUE TO THINK ABOUT ALL THESE BEAUTIFUL
BABIES AS EACH DAY PASSES. AND I TO WONDERING IF HER MOM IS PLANNINg ANOTHER PREGNANCY. I AM HOPING
THEY WILL TRY FOR PERHAPS NOT ANOTHER GRACE BUT A GIRL. BEST OF LUCK TO YOU.
I am so sorry...so very sorry
Jo Ann Summerall FloridaI am so sorry...so very sorry. Grace has touched my heart and soul deeply. I pray and light a candle for your family daily. May peace come...
Today in Lexington, Kentucky,
Stephanie Moon McCormick Lexington, KYToday in Lexington, Kentucky, at 12:30 p.m., twenty eight religious leaders will light twenty eight candles in memory of those who died on December 14. I have the honor of lighting Grace's candle. Although I did not know her, I have been touched reading about her beautiful life. We hope that simple acts, such as lighting candles and speaking names, can dispel darkness--in our lives and in the world. I pray for your peace in this time.
Sending loving thoughts to
Rose Cavanagh Providenc, RISending loving thoughts to your family as you are mourning the loss of your beautiful angel. I hope that you can feel her presence with you always as your special little soul watching over and loving you as I am sure she is from heaven. God bless you and rest in the peace of Christ, Grace!
Dear Grace and her loving
Sadie Rose CaliforniaDear Grace and her loving family,
This season for my varsity lacrosse team, we decided to give everyday we play to someone that wouldn't be able to do the same. I was given these beautiful Initials, G.M, I wasn't sure who I got so I went home and reached the amazing child I was given. When I found out I was given Grace, I was ecstatic to know that this pretty little girl was going to be my inspiration and my will to live everyday to fullest. She is the willing I strive to give it my all and not to sweat the small stuff . Thank you so much for sharing her story and for touching my heart.
Love, Sadie Rose age 16
When I heard your interview
Susan S. Downey Stroudsburg, PA. (formerly of Simsbury, CT. and Oak Bluffs, Mass.)When I heard your interview on TV about your beautiful Grace and her love of The Vineyard I was brought to tears and laughter upon hearing how you drew hearts and flowers and beach memories all over her tiny white coffin with colorful sharpies. And how the earth fell out from under you when you walked into that room. Incomprehensible sorrow. My prayers for you and all the other families are with you and those precious babies. I lost my dear sister, Sally A Shipley, from a sudden brief illness on Nov.21, 2010. She was my only sibling and we had called Martha's Vineyard our second home since 1972. I owned a vacation home there in Waterview Farm and so did our parents. Sally never married so my 3 children were hers too. I needed a reason for losing her. It seemed so unfair. I finally realized she had to be in heaven to welcome Grace and the other children and share her happiest days of kite flying on South Beach, ice cream cones from the Edgartown candy store, jumping off the bridge over and over again, lobster dinners at the Homeport, chowder and shopping at the Black Dog, lemonade and chocolate brownies at the Farmer's Market in Chilmark and countless other memories. On Aug. 31, 2011 our family and close friends spread Sally's ashes into the water where Katama Bay flows into the Atlantic Ocean. It was what she had wanted. We had all spent so many fun times there fishing for striped bass and barbecues on the beach. She doesn't have a permanent marker anywhere and that's when it hit me again when I read you were donating a brick to the Children's Memorial at the Edgartown Lighthouse and children's beach. My father and I are going to do the same for Sally. We would also like to contribute to your fund for Grace. We send you and your family our deepest sympathies and pray that our Catholic faith continues to bring you strength and peace in our Lord's unseen plan.
see comment from march,24
Susan S. Downey Stroudsburg, Pa.see comment from march,24 2013 6:33 pm
I wrote this poem for Grace
Kathy VAI wrote this poem for Grace McDonnell. I read that she loved going to Martha's Vineyard, and that she was the light of her family. She is a beautiful Angel now and will continue to provide the light to us all:
Grace of the Angels
We have Angels all around us,
on this Earth and up above,
they follow and protect us,
with their unconditional love.
So if you see a kind stranger,
smile and walk on by,
they may be an Angel among us,
without the wings with which to fly.
So walk this Earth with Grace and meaning,
while time will still allow,
we can all be kind, helpful Angels,
the 26 above can show you how.
There is one who circles the beaches,
while dancing in the night,
through the Vineyard, and far beyond it,
You can always see her light.
She is Grace of the Angels,
and gives all who see her peace,
her beauty will always inspire us,
And our love for her will never cease.
Love Kathy
Twenty Six Seeds of Love for Newtown
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