Obituary of Grace Barrall Lord

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Grace Barrall Lord, our loving and devoted mother and friend to all whose lives she touched on March 25, 2021. Born at home on November 17, 1933 in Jackson Township, PA, she was the daughter of the late Chester and Margaret (Miers) Barrall. She was a graduate of Lehman High School and College Misericordia, where she received a B.S. in Home Economics with a vocational teaching certification. She was employed as a dietician for the Nesbitt Memorial Hospital and as a teacher for the Dallas School District from 1955-1962. She left her full-time teaching position to raise her family, but continued to substitute teach for many years. She was employed by Dymond's Bakery prior to her retirement. She was the beloved mother to Vernanne Duermit, and husband Kevin, of Scottsdale, AZ, and James Lord, and wife Sharon, of Shavertown; grandmother to Deanna, Ben (Natalie), April (Brandon), and Katelyn; great-grandmother to Grayson; sister-in-law to Jeanne Barrall; and aunt to many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her dedicated husband of 52 years, James, granddaughter, Kristina Duermit, brother, James Barrall, sister Margaret (Barrall) Berlew, and brother-in-law Richard Berlew. She shared her time and talents as a dedicated volunteer. She was involved with the Shavertown United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday school, and chaired roast beef dinners, Easter egg sales, and vacation bible school. She served as a Girl Scout leader, a majorette coach and an usher at the F.M. Kirby Center. All that knew her had the privilege of benefitting from her brilliant mind. Making every task in her daily life a teachable moment was second nature to Grace. She instilled in her family the power of knowledge and hard work, but never forgot the importance of a good laugh. She embodied the perfect combination of class and sass, which made her easy to love and impossible to forget. Her matriarchal presence will be felt for generations to come, when we all gather around the dining room table to share in a home cooked meal, using Grace's recipes, and listen to the music that always brought her so much joy. We would like to thank the staff of Wesley Village for their care, compassion, and kindness during our mother's final days. A Celebration of Life will be held this summer when we can all gather safely. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. Arrangements are by the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek. Online condolences may be made at clswansonfuneralhome.com