Obituary of Grace Carlyn Volkman

Grace Carlyn Volkman (nee Hesterberg) December 10, 1923 - February 27, 2014 Grace Carlyn Volkman, age 90, was called to her eternal home on February 27 in Zephyrhills, Florida. She was born in Maryland and grew up on Shipley Road in Linthicum and was a graduate of Glen Burnie High School. In 1943, at the age of 19, she married her sweetheart, George Volkman. They met as teenagers at their church youth group when they were 14 and 16 years of age, respectively. The young wife remained at home when George was called to service during WWII. During his two year hitch, Grace lived at home with her parents. A couple of years after George's return, they welcomed their first daughter, Kareen, and two years later, their second daughter, Gale. They bought their first home in 1949, in Ferndale, Maryland, where they lived for 32 years. Grace's greatest pleasure came from caring for their home and children. She was an exceptional cook and kept a spotless home. Also during this time, she was an active member of several committees at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Glen Burnie. In 1960 they welcomed a third daughter, Kim. Upon George's retirement in 1982 he and Grace moved to Port Charlotte, Florida, where she enjoyed an active lifestyle including sewing, bowling, card club and traveling. The church was at the forefront of her life and soon after arriving in Port Charlotte, George and Grace began making arrangements for the establishment of a new church. Their dream became a reality when construction was complete and the Lutheran Church of the Cross was dedicated. She was extremely proud to be a charter member of the new church. Grace was preceded in death by George, her husband of 69 years. She is survived by her three daughters, Kareen Vengren (Frank) of Lake Wales, FL; Gale Songer (Lanny) of Brandon, FL; and Kim Thomason (Tim) of Dade City, FL. Grace was blessed with seven grandchildren, Paula Tomak Hamilton (who preceded her in death); Karl Tomak (Karen) of Reisterstown, MD; Cheryl Songer Crawford (Phil) of Brandon, FL; Sean Songer (Helen) of Seffner, FL; Kristin Thomason of Seffner, FL; Lucas Thomason of Valrico, FL; and Tai Thomason of Jacksonville, FL. She also had five great-grandchildren, Leah, Stephen, Blaine, Emily, and Tristan. A memorial will be held on Thursday, March 6, at 10:00 a.m. at the Lutheran Church of the Cross, 2300 Luther Rd, Punta Gorda, FL 33983. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations in Grace's honor be sent to the Lutheran Church of the Cross.