ALBANY – Grace J. Mabboni Roznowski, age 100, died Thursday, August 5, 2021. Grace was born and raised in Syracuse, NY. She was a graduate of St. Joseph’s Hospital Nursing School and she joined the U.S. Navy in World War II, serving in Hawaii and Chelsea, MA. In 1950, she graduated from Syracuse University with a degree in nursing. She came to Albany in 1952 where she worked at St. Peter’s Hospital and later for the Visiting Nurses’ Association. While working for the Visiting Nurse Association, she attended Russell Sage College and she received her M.S. degree in maternal and child health.
Grace was active in the community. She was a volunteer at the Visiting Nurse Association, the Albany Medical Center Children’s Hospital and the St. John’s Center Food Pantry. For more than 35 years she collected medical supplies, clothing and toys for a health clinic in Mississippi and Native American reservations in South Dakota. She belonged to several organizations including the Catholic Nurses’ Association, The Sisters of Mercy Auxiliary, The Tyrol Club Auxiliary and their Women’s Service League in Solvay, NY.
Grace was predeceased by her husband Donald M. Roznowski. She is survived by her son Thomas (Trisha Bracken) of Bloomington, IN, her daughters Ellen Taylor of Albany, and Fran Roznowski of Chelsea, MA; her son Joseph of Syracuse; her grandchildren Emmett Gillen and Maxwell Roznowski; and her great grandchildren Valor and Ruby Gillen and extended family members Caley Jensen, Morgan Jensen, Mira Jensen and Luke O’Connor.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, August 10th, at 10:00 a.m. in the Parish of Mater Christi, 40 Hopewell St., Albany, NY 12208. Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany, on Monday August 9th, from 4-8 p.m. Interment will be on Wednesday, August 11th, at 1:00PM in the Assumption Cemetery, Syracuse NY. The family suggests Memorial contributions to St. John’s/St. Ann’s Outreach Center Food Pantry, 88 Fourth Ave., Albany, NY 12202. To leave a message of condolence for the family, or obtain directions to the funeral home, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
Click here to view Grace’s resting place in Assumption Cemetery, Syracuse, New York.
This is a song that Grace’s son Tom wrote and performed for her:
Grace Roznowski song by son Tom
This is a video tribute to Grace:
Jackie Birk
What an amazing woman! I knew her from St. James and sat by her during many, many St. Rose basketball games. She was a true fan! Rest in Peace Grace – you will always be an inspiration.
Thomas Buckley
Grace was the consummate volunteer and possessed a personality that was uplifting and full of sharing and concern for others. She impacted many in her routine and daily activity. She never looked to be recognized, but at the VNA of Albany we knew how special she was and named our employee of the year award after her. She will be missed and her concern for others will never be forgotten by me.
Kelly Morrone
It was a true pleasure to know and work with Grace. She was a wonderful, loving and caring woman.
Marva Richards
My dear friend Fran, and siblings. Reading your Mum’s obituary reminds me again of what a shero she was. Such a productive life of empathy for those who suffer, combined with scholarship and great parenting is to be admired and emulated. A memorable woman of substance indeed!
My hope is that she is finally reunited with her beloved Don at last.
David Marcy
Sad to hear of Grace’s passing, I knew her almost 70 years. She was married to my cousin Donald and I have many fond memories of her and her family..She was a good woman.
Ann Bradley
I had the privilege of working with Grace at the VNA from 1976 until she retired. She was not only my supervisor but was a true friend and mentor. I have so many fond memories that I could not begin to name them. Grace gave more in a day than most people give in a lifetime. She will be missed by everyone whose life she touched
Deborah Tracy
Grace, the essence of “joie de vivre” an amazing and inspirational woman! Such wit, strength of character-always ready with a smile, a loving heart and hands for service. It was a privilege to know Grace and Don; I met them through their visits to Loretto to visit Martin (Don’s father) where I was on a summer stint of working as a nursing assistant, instead of mowing yards. I fell in love with nursing, which had never been a viable option in my mind! I attended Syracuse University College of Nursing-they helped me throughout my education with generous payment for taking Irene (Don’s mom) grocery shopping during college, financial gifts and encouragement. I would stop for a visit on my way to or fro Vermont or Maine, if they were home and not at the library, volunteering or at a social event. They had such a love for learning, generosity, care and service toward others-they had the knowing that we are here on earth to help each other. They were so proud of their children and grandchildren, full of stories-keeping me informed of the important events of their lives. I so appreciate the role models they were in my life; kind generous and encouraging. Don guided me via directions on a trip to Burea, Kentucky, Frontier Nursing Service, where they delivered toys to children in Appalachia-telling me to avoid Skyline Drive, where Graces mom was killed in an auto accident. My sincere condolences for the loss of your mom; may shared memories give you peace and may God’s love comfort you. God is love and His love never fails and Grace had His love in her heart and soul. “The path of the just is like the shining sun that shines ever brighter unto that perfect day” Proverbs 4:18
Grace is experiencing that “perfect day” with Jesus, her wellspring-the source of her bright light.