Grace Ann Ver Vooren aka (Grace Ann Wyrick), aged 88, passed away peacefully on August 7, 2025, surrounded by family. She was born on September 18, 1936, in Waukesha, WI, to Alma Elizabeth (Petterle) and Ernest Peter Ver Vooren. Grace was a graduate of Catholic Memorial High School and often spoke fondly of the positive impact the nuns there made on her life. Their guidance and example shaped her in lasting ways.

A resilient single mother, Grace proudly raised four children and two grandchildren. Her greatest joy was her family, and she cultivated deep bonds that endured through every challenge. Her life was also enriched by her cherished and meaningful friendships; she was known for having a tight-knit group of girlfriends who were a constant source of laughter and support.

Guided by a deep and abiding faith, Grace's life was a testament to her profound love for others. She was a lifelong advocate for mental health, a calling she answered with unwavering compassion throughout her career. For 25 years, she was a cornerstone of the Community Outreach Clinic for Milwaukee County, and she continued her important work for another decade with the Medical College of Wisconsin. Grace had a unique gift for connection; her wisdom was a source of light for everyone who knew her. She was the person everyone reached out to, a trusted confidante who offered guidance and comfort with a gentle spirit and a listening ear.

Beyond her professional life, Grace found immense joy in the arts and the simple beauty of the world around her. She was a dedicated supporter of the Milwaukee PAC and local theater in Washington Park, believing in the power of stories and performance to bring people together. She found peace in nature, enjoying quiet walks, birdwatching, and admiring the work of local artists. A true historian at heart, she loved reading about history and tracing her family's genealogy-a passion she lovingly passed on to her children and grandchildren, creating a legacy of curiosity and connection. While she possessed a quiet wisdom, she also had a wonderful sense of humor and loved nothing more than a good groan-worthy joke that could light up a room.

In her later years, her greatest joy was her great-grandchildren. Her love for them was boundless and a beautiful expression of her spirit. She made their passions her own, whether it was learning about taekwondo or cheering at a cheerleading competition. Her enthusiastic support was a beautiful way to share in their world and connect with each new generation. Grace was also a dedicated fan of sports, with a special love for women's athletics.

Grace is survived by her loving children: Carolyn Marine (Wyrick), Joan Gasper (Tom), Timothy Wyrick (the late Susie), and David Wyrick (Celeste). She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Jason Sawnor (Sarah), Dustin Jacquith (Jesse), Stephanie Brunner (Jason), and Douglas Gasper, as well as her beloved great-grandchildren, Nicholas, Britten, Robert, and Jillian. She will be dearly missed by her in-law, Rose Ver Vooren, and her nieces, Kim, Barbara, and Linda, along with many other treasured family members and friends.

Grace was preceded in death by her parents, and by her siblings, including her sister Laura. Her heart now rests with her beloved granddaughter, Leah Sawnor, who she cherished and joins eternal peace.

Grace's enduring legacy is not just in the careers she touched or the family history she preserved, but in the countless lives she enriched with her wisdom, her humor, and her unconditional love. She will be deeply missed and treasured by many, forever holding a special place in the hearts of all who loved her.

Visitation for Grace will be held on Saturday August 23 at Fox River Congregational Church, N34 W23575 Capitol Dr. Pewaukee, WI 53072 from 10 AM until the time of the Funeral Service at 11 AM.