Grace P. Earl

Grace P. Earl, a woman of unwavering kindness and infectious laughter, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on November 22, 2023 at the age of 82. Born in 1941, Grace's journey began in an era preceding the upheavals of World War II and the dawn of rock and roll, a testament to her enduring spirit.

Grace was the beloved daughter of Ruth and Henry Piorkowski, young parents who embraced the joys and challenges of parenthood at ages 20 and 25. Her early years were spent in a cold-water flat until the age of 12, when her father's love and dedication resulted in the construction of the family house in Erie—a place filled with warmth, love, and lasting memories, and best of all, the only house on the block with central-air.

Educated in Catholic grade and high schools, Grace formed lifelong connections, treasuring fond memories of riding the bus with the "WEIR" girls. Throughout her life, she maintained a club of cherished friends from her school days, a testament to the enduring nature of the bonds she forged.

In the 1960s, Grace embarked on a new chapter in Long Beach, California with her husband Jim, but she always kept one foot firmly planted in her Erie roots. In sunny Long Beach, she became an integral part of her community, running the school PTO for her children, Robert Earl (wife Cari, granddaughter Devon, and grandson Jenner) and Karen Earl (husband Scott). Her adventurous spirit led her to start a Neighborhood Watch, and to join neighborhood police meetings where she even participated in undercover operations, bridging a sense of community between law enforcement and the public.

Grace was a woman of action, and she strove to make her neighborhood as lovely as she was. She played a vital role in naming her community "El Dorado Park Neighborhood South," though her heart leaned towards the whimsical "Duck Pond South." Grace’s block parties she helped organize on Pattiz Ave. were legendary, and she also started the concerts in the parks with her friend Vickie. When asked why she did all that work, she said it was because ‘she wanted to see families dancing and playing together.’ Grace's love extended beyond her human neighbors; she passionately advocated for the well-being of ducks and wildlife, fighting against the artificial grass coalition for the sake of our health and ecosystem.

Her retirement, which truly began in 2018 after the passing of her husband Jim, was marked by weekly Saturday night “porch party” dinners with her neighborhood best friends Vickie and Bill, and monthly "Ladies Night Out" dinners with a close-knit group of church best friends spanning over 45 years. Grace's phone and laptop became an extension of her warm heart, spending an average of 40 hours a week talking to friends and neighbors, and leading the threads on NextDoor.com.

Grace's unique laughter, capable of rendering her from loud fits of giggles to speechlessness, echoed joy throughout her life. An amazing mother, she infused creativity and merriment into her children's lives, even dressing up as Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer for surprise Christmas lunches at their grade school.

The Earl Family extends their heartfelt gratitude to friends and neighbors who have gone above and beyond during this difficult time. Her brother, Hank Piorkowski (Bonnie), and sister Cathe Hedderick (preceded by Keith); were able to visit during her last days, to hold her hands and sing songs, especially Hank got to hear one more round of ‘Good Night Irene’ sung with his sister (a family favorite). Among her many friends and loved ones, Grace also leaves behind her niece Michelle Klemm (Mike), and their daughter Abby; nephew Michael Piorkowski (Jenn); and cousin Stacey Lalone. Grace delighted in being Grandma 'Gigi' and wants to remind us that life is an adventure and we are all loved beyond forever.

Services to celebrate Grace's life will be held at OLR Church on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at 10:00am. A reception follows at the El Dorado Golf Course Event Center [tented space] located at 2400 Studebaker Road, Long Beach, CA 90815. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Breast Cancer Research in Grace's honor, as she valiantly fought against this disease (https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/WTIjDA?vid=12evu9).

May Grace's laughter and love continue to echo in our hearts, and may she rest in eternal peace

Our Lady of Refuge Catholic Church

5195 East Stearns Street

Long Beach, CA  90815

https://www.ourladyofrefuge.org/

(562) 498-6641