Grace M. Crossett

Ilion- Grace M. Crossett, 82, passed away peacefully in her home on Wednesday August 6, 2025, surrounded by the love and comfort of her devoted family.

Born on May 24, 1943, in Ilion, New York. Grace was the fifth of six children born to Kenneth Crossett and Grace (Miller) Crossett. Grace was raised in a close-knit family and carried those values of unity and compassion throughout her life.

Grace built a long and distinguished career at the Masonic Care Community of New York, where she held the position of Assistant Director of Housekeeping. Known for her strong work ethic and caring spirit, she dedicated her professional life to improving the lives of the residents she served. It was during her years at Masonic that met the love of her life, Joseph Oleksak. They were united in marriage on July 28, 2001, in Lisbon NY. The couple shared a deep faith and shared blessed union of 20 years until Joe’s passing on June 3, 2021.  

Grace’s greatest joy came from being with her family. She was most content when surrounded by those she loved and was known for her generosity, warmth, and tireless devotion caring for others. Her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched with her kindness and strength. 

Grace is survived by her loving sisters and best friends, Carol Mayo and Barbara Brooks, and sister-in-law, Bernice Crossett. Her cherished children; Karen and Ron Mower, Linda and Brad Buhr, Paula and Eldon Ward, Roy and Michelle Kane, and Jesse and Lisa Kane. Her many cherished grandchildren and great grandchildren as well as several devoted nieces and nephews, her stepchildren; Joseph Oleksak Jr and Stephanie Urban.

She was predeceased by her beloved, Joe, her brother ,Kenneth Crossett, her sisters, Bess Crossett and Diane Rodden, the father of her five children Hamilton T. Kane.

Grace will be remembered for her unwavering dedication to her family, her selfless service to others and the love she shared freely. Her presence will be deeply missed but her spirit will live on in all who knew her. 

Special thank you to grandchildren; Randi and Kevin Fike, and Amanda and Jeremy Klink, great grandchildren; Brian Reile, Julianne Fike, Avery Fike, Wyatt Fike, and Adalyn Klink always available for GG (Grandma Grace) any time, any day without hesitation. 

The family will be receiving relatives and friends on Thursday, August 14, 2025, from 11:00 am to 12:00  noon at the locally owned and family operated, Vincent A. Enea Funeral Service, (next to Hannaford Markets), 527 E. Albany St., Herkimer, NY 315-866-1500. A prayer service will follow at 12:00 noon at the chapel of the funeral home. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Herkimer, NY where she will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband, Joseph.

In lieu of flowers, please make all memorial contributions to Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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