LINDA BRALEY GRACE: MARCH 27, 1945—DECEMBER 28, 2019
Linda Braley Grace passed away on December 28, 2019, at the family mountain cabin in Taos, New Mexico. She was born on March 27, 1945, to Ralph S. “Bob” and Beverly Braley in Houston. Growing up in Bryan, she spent much of her time in Houston, and she worked as a distributive education (DE) student at the family clothing store while attending Stephen F. Austin High School. She traveled extensively in Europe, helping with Beverly Braley Travel and Tours.
Linda received her AA degree from Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, and attended architecture school at Tulane University and the University of Texas. An interior designer and artist, she was a member of the New Mexico Water Color Society, the International Society of Acrylic Painters, the San Diego Water Color Society, the Rio Grande Art Association, and other local art groups.
She was married to Thomas Grace, an orthopedic surgeon, whom she met while they were attending Tulane University. Living in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Linda was involved in civic work, including the Albuquerque Junior League, the Medical Auxiliary, the Albuquerque Symphony Women, the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra, and the Orton Dyslexia Society.
Linda is survived by her husband of over 50 years, Dr. Thomas Grace, and by her two sons and their families: Thomas Jonathan, Tracy, and granddaughter Riley of Portland, Oregon; and Brian, Anna, and granddaughter Greta Rose of Albuquerque. She is also survived by her mother, Beverly Braley; her sister and husband, Suzan and John Cook, all of Fort Worth; and her two brothers, William Braley of Vienna, Austria, and Ralph Braley of Galveston. She also leaves many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members, and good friends.
A celebration of life will be held at the Episcopal Cathedral of St. John in Albuquerque, 318 Silver Avenue SW, on Thursday, January 9, 2020, at 10 a.m. It is suggested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Cathedral Church of St. John or to the Orton Dyslexia Society.
Dave Mayfield
Beyond devastated.
Charlotte Cole (Wilson)
Linda was the true "Lady" of our class. When I had my hair in pigtails and barefooted, she had a nice, clean outfit on along with a pretty strand of whilte pearls. BUT, she was willing to go with me in the truck, no matter what. Linda was always willing to do whatever the gang was doing, had a smile on her face, and was a lot of fun. I was allowed to buy one dress at Beverly Braley's each fall for school which was really a treat. I loved visiting in their pretty home and during the summer, walking through the woods to the Sparks' swimming pool. Her mom always had great, creative ideas for parties, too, and were a delight to attend. After I graduated from Baylor and moved to Hawaii, I wanted to send mother and daddy tickets to come see me as a surprise, but didn't have the money. I called Mrs. Braley and their travel agency provided the tickets. I remember they cost $400 and I paid them $20 a month for years. Without their helping me, though, mother and daddy would have never seen Hawaii, plus I needed mother to come over to cook Christmas dinner (I didn't take homemaking in highschool!). Thirty years later, after Mike and I moved to Red River, NM, we connected again and visited one another several times since she and Tom lived in ABQ, only 3 1/2 hours away. She even attended camp for a day when she was in Red River. I will always picture Linda with a smile on her face. She was a treasure to know. I already miss her.