Grace Shillinger

Grace M. Shillinger, age 77, passed away Sunday, October 22, 2023 in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. She was born May16, 1946 in Youngstown, Ohio. Grace is preceded in death by her parents Paul and Irene Shillinger and brother, Paul N. Shillinger. She is survived by her sister, Ruth ann Shillinger; sister-in-law, Linda Shillinger; nieces, Ruth (James) Bowell and Rhoda (Carmine) Schiano; nephew, Paul Shillinger, Jr.; several great and great great nieces and nephews, and close friends. Grace graduated from Boardman High School, received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Capital University, and a Master’s degree from Xavier University. Grace was a devoted Columbus Public Schools’ Elementary teacher for over 35 years.

She loved teaching and had a passion for teaching children’s gardening. Grace was instrumental in her school being selected as one of only four in the country to pilot the Project Life Lab Science Curriculum funded by the National Science Foundation. She also applied for and received a grant from the National Gardening Association to fund the school’s garden. Grace was awarded Teacher of the Year, was a Jennings Scholar, and received many other teaching awards and accolades. She also volunteered at Franklin Parck Conservatory and COSI. Private interment at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Youngstown. A Celebration of Life will be held and announced in the future. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Grace’s memory to The Parkinson’s Foundation (www.parkinson.org/GreatLakes) or to Cat Welfare, 741 Wetmore Rd., Columbus, OH 43214, in Grace’s memory. Arrangements Entrusted to SCHOEDINGER EAST, 5360 E. Livingston Avenue, Columbus, OH 43232.