Grace Mary (McGarry) Slusser Obituary

Grace Mary Slusser (nee McGarry), affectionately known as GG, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2024, at the age of 84 in Camarillo, California. She was born on June 29, 1939, in Elizabeth, New Jersey.

Grace was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Calling her our matriarch was an understatement. To her children, she was home. To her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she was magic. She was the curator of family traditions, the finder of fun, and she brought laughter and life wherever she went.

She was a proud stay-at-home mom, and her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were everything to her. Her house was where all the local kids gathered, whether in New Jersey or California. She found joy in feeding people, and her home was always filled with homemade dishes, from her famous mac-and-cheese, to stuffed peppers, to corned beef and cabbage, and at Christmas time, her amazing lemon cakes. No one left her house on an empty stomach!

When she became a grandmother, she insisted on being called "GG," for Grandma Grace. She felt she was too young to be called Grandma, and she was right. This was the start of a new generation of kids in the house; they visited often, not just during holidays. “Camp GG” was always in session, especially during school breaks and summers, when GG and the kids went everywhere together. Camp GG was still active when the kids went to college; they even brought their friends with them.

Grace will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her, family and friends alike. She is now reunited with her husband Dan, after 62 years of marriage. To quote George Burns, "Say Goodnight Gracie."

Grace is survived by her loving daughters Kathleen (Tim) Reynolds of Camarillo, CA, Jacalyn Slusser-Beaven of West Hills, CA, Robin (Sher) Slusser of Castaic, CA, and Patricia (Martin) Teter of Fort Worth, TX. She also leaves behind 11 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, her sister-in-law Betty McGarry of Reseda, CA, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Daniel Slusser, her father, Charles McGarry, her mother, Marion McGarry Finvik, her brothers, Charles and Clifford, and her sisters, Joan Matthews and Lois McGarry.

Grace dedicated her life to her family and embraced the role of homemaker with love and devotion. She created a warm and inviting home where love and laughter flourished. At her request, there will be no funeral services at this time.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The Alzheimer's Foundation in Grace's memory. Please join us in celebrating the beautiful life of Grace Mary Slusser. She will forever be in our hearts.