In Loving Memory of Emma Grace McCool

Emma Grace McCool, Known by her friends as E. Grace or Grace,  age 96, of Elkton, MD, passed away on Friday, November 17, 2023. She was born in Ocean View, DE, on January 23, 1927, to the late Vernon Wesley McCabe and Clara (nee, Quillen) McCabe. She was the devoted wife of the late Ralph Wilson McCool.

Grace, the eldest of three children by 8 years, shouldered numerous responsibilities related to the family store from a young age. During World War II, at just 13 years old, she made grocery deliveries to the Beach and elsewhere, in the company truck.  As an Adult, she Attended Washington College,  where she met and married the love of her life, Ralph W. McCool, a returning WWII D-Day Veteran.   Ralph fondly called her Princess Grace.  Together, they raised three sons. Grace’s nurturing spirit and protective love created a haven within their home, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of her children and shaping the bonds that held their family together.

Grace was a proud 40-year founding member of the esteemed “That” Bridge Club, a local institution in Elkton. The club, with its 13 members had a lengthy Substitution/Waiting list, holding meetings on a rotating basis, twice a month.  Three tables of Four with the Thirteenth Member acting as Hostess.   The Meals were Legendary Buffets that would match/or Supercede any Fine Eatery.  A tradition fondly recalled by her family.  Afterall, for the following week, were got the leftovers!

Grace was a Member of the Cecil County Election Board.    A Substitute School Teacher, she was loved by Students.  She  was known to ride the Bus To School on numerous occasions.  Those were the Days when all the Ladies of the Community were your “Other Mother!“  An Astute Genealogist, she was an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and  a Proud American, but also referred to herself as a Delawarean by Birth.

Her hobbies included as Many Trips to Europe as she and Ralph could fit in!   She loved her Antiques and learned to refinish furniture as a young married wife.  Canning to Caning Chairs, Lady could do it all! And my,  she was a Lady!

Grace’s Christian faith was a cornerstone of her life, guiding her through its journey with grace and compassion.

Grace is survived by her three children:, Geoffrey Edward McCool, and Ralph Wilson McCool, II (Gloria), Findlay McCabe McCool; eighteen grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; and her brother Vernon Wesley McCabe, Jr..

In addition to her parents, Grace was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Wilson McCool (7/21/2011) and her youngest brother, Oliver James McCabe.

A celebration of life will be held at 1:00 PM on December 2, 2023, at R.T. Foard Funeral Home, 259 East Main Street, Elkton, MD, where family and friends may begin visiting at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at Bethel Cemetery, 312 Bethel Cemetery Road, Chesapeake City, MD 21915. To send online condolences, please visit www.rtfoard.com.