Fortier
Class 1955 Classmate Memory Book (2/28/10)
Grace,
Patricia Elaine 
Name of Classmate: Grace, Patricia Elaine Note: Legal name change in l980 to Leigh Hamilton Grace
Resides St. Johnsbury
VT
Further Educational accomplishments: Loyola Un. 1955-56, In l957 Judy Janes and I went to Tulane
Night School to see what guys we could meet. Now that was an education!
l988-l989 became a Certified Paralegal, at the Institute for Legal Studies, Met.,
La. so I wouldn't have to hire a lawyer when my ex-husband lawyer frequently
tried to mess with child support. 2008 became Certified in Reconnective Healing
Levels I/II, "The Basic Truths and Frequencies of Healing." Tucson,
Az.
Family history: One
marriage of 23 years to J. Y. Gilmore, Jr. and we had three children, Dr. Jared
Young Gilmore, III. Matthew Collin Gilmore, and Martha Grace Gilmore. My
son 'The Doctor" was Chief Surgical Resident at Charity Hospital, and received
a Fellowship in Cardio Thoracic Surgery from Tulane Med. School. He practices
in New Orleans. Matt is in restaurant management, graduated from LSU with
a degree in political science. Martha had 3 miscarriages over the years,
and I call her the Fertility Goddess. She a Certified Medical Assistant,
is attending UNO and is working toward a RN.
Grandchilluns' Jared Young Gilmore IV is a junior at Loyola
majoring in business and he wants to open restaurants in New Orleans and have
his father finance them. Smart boy. Catherine Elizabeth Gilmore is a freshman
at Loyola and received a $23,000.00 scholarship. She throws the best parties
at her home in Metairie, and when her parents come home she and friends are dirty
dancing on the island in the middle of the kitchen. Collin Young Hendry
16 - Collin will either rule the world or be the biggest con in the world. Jerry
Michael Hendry 14 - Jerry is super smart and wants to go into the military.
Over my dead body. Matthew Alexander Hendry
- 12 - His hero is Emeril Lagasse. Guess he wants to work in
his Cousin's restaurants. Smart boy. Wants cook books for Christmas.
Isabella Marie Aguilar - product of Divorce Number 2. When Martha
was expecting Isabella, people said, "I feel so sorry for that
girl with those three older brother.” Now they feel sorry for her three older
brothers. She is on the honor roll.
Achievements and Accomplishments: In l957 went to work in the CBD and wound up a Secretary for
Shell Oil Co. using high school typing and shorthand. Great to have money
in my pocket. I have sung in three black Gospel Choirs" and learned
the 'sway'. In 2005 the “Shades of Praise Interracial Gospel Group"
of which I was a member, and was brought over to Ireland by the Irish Government
to sing on diversity and peace. In 1980 was the owner of Grace and Associates,
a brokerage company in imported and fancy foods.
1990-Present Practicing Psychic and Clairvoyant and in 2004-05 was the
psychic on board for Delta Queen Steamship Co.
Featured in a documentary by PBS reading a Vietnamese Exchange Student
at Tulane, aired nationally in 2003, and later shown at The Whitney Museum in
New York. Radio program in St. Johnsbury, WYES
Author of "Say Grace", and a second book "Receiving With Grace" is in progress. Received a Certificate of Recognition from the Governor of Vermont - Vermont Healthy Aging Initiative.
Fortier Reunions attended: 25, 35, and 40
Other personal comments: Jerry Gilmore and I divorced after 23. It was so sad
but now I see that if the divorce (OMG that was 31 years ago) hadn't taken
place I probably wouldn't be alive today. Jerry died 18 years ago and I
haven’t remarried.
After Katrina I decided to make an adventure
out of it and arrived in St. Johnsbury, Vt. (The exact opposite of New Orleans). On
Sept. 6, 2005. Only 40 miles from Canada and I have explored every state in New
England. Vermont is a 'State of Mind". I see beauty every day
and beauty in these warm and welcoming people. But it's about time for me
to return to 'my tribe' of which I am the matriarch, and my current plans are
to move to my second home, Ocean Springs, Miss. We spent three months there every
summer, and it was an idyllic part of my childhood. Very close to N. O. so
looking forward to seeing more of my 'peers.'
Also greatly looking forward to "Reunion 55" which I'm calling
"THE LAST WALTZ BEFORE DEPENDS."