ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Sister Grace Miller, an icon of kindness and charity in the Rochester community, has died Thursday at 90 years old.
Sister Grace was a Sister of Mercy for 70 years, beginning ministering to people living in poverty in 1967. She dedicated her life to caring for Rochester’s homeless community.
In 2023, Sister Grace started a new advocacy program for those experiencing homelessness called La Madonna Della Strada, which is Italian for Our Lady of the Street.
Sister Grace entered hospice care back in June as her health was declining. In July, the community gathered to celebrate Sister Grace’s 90th birthday.
News10NBC spoke to her in July as the community came together to honor her birthday and impact on the community.
“I feel wonderful being with my friends. I mean, that’s what makes the world go round, right. And it keeps us going. If it weren’t for my friends being, here it would be a dull day, but it’s the friends that make it real,” Sister Grace said.
Also in July, Sister Grace was honored by Mayor Malik Evans with a Key to the City of Rochester.
In a statement, Sister Mary Ann Ayers, a fellow Sister of Mercy and a leader in the congregation’s Rochester community said: “Grace had a heart filled with love for people experiencing homelessness and poverty. Her ministry for the past 40 years—serving and advocating for people whose voices aren’t heard—brought her exactly where God intended for her to be.”
City Council President Miguel Meléndez also released a statement regarding Sister Grace’s death, which said: “Our City is poorer in spirit and compassion today after the passing of Sister Grace Miller. Sister Grace served those who others would not, and she served them with unconditional love, understanding and anything else she could find to provide. She spoke her truth to power without fear and she truly did Gods work on Rochester’s streets for decades. On behalf of Rochester City Council, I convey the sympathy and condolences of our city to the Miller Family and to the Sisters of Mercy on this great loss. Rest in peace and power Sister and Godspeed on your journey home.”
Funeral arrangements for Sister Grace will be announced once they are available.
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