Obituary of Grace Hilt Mack

Grace Hilt Mack died suddenly on November 25, 2016. Born in Troy, NY to Robert T. and Madeline O'Connor Hilt. Grace was a graduate of Troy High School, Russell Sage College and SUNY Plattsburgh. She was a teacher of middle school in Croton-on Hudson and Dobbs Ferry, NY. After graduate school at Plattsburgh, Grace worked for Cornell Cooperative Extension of Franklin County and for the extension in Greene County. Later Grace was appointed Recruitment Specialist for Cornell University. She left that position for the Dairy Food and Nutrition Council in Latham. Here she was Adjunct Professor for SUNY and the president of the NYS Nutrition Council. In the 1990's Grace went back to teaching where she taught at Mount Pleasant Middle School in Schenectady. There she was the winner of the Golden Apple Award for enthusiasm, commitment and involvement in school organizations and career education. In retirement, she enjoyed time at her homes in Niskayuna and on Cape Cod. She has been an active member of the Hudson Adirondack Daylily Society. Her gardens feature many varieties of lilies. As a dog lover, Grace volunteered for the Homeward Bound Dog Rescue. She was active in her church, St.Kateri Tekakwitha and enjoyed involvement in clubs and with many groups of friends. Grace is survived by her husband, Tom, sister, Nancy Hilt, sister-in-law Gloria Towle-Hilt, niece, Laura Towle Hilt, nephew David Towle Hilt and family. She is also survived by several cousins. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Church, 2216 Rosa Rd. in Schenectady, (formerly Our Lady of Fatima). at 9 AM on Tuesday, November 29th. A visitation will be held from 8 AM at the church prior to the Mass. Memorial donations can be made to Homeward Bound Dog Rescue, 202 Front St., Schenectady, NY 12305 or a charity of your choice.