Grace M. Landis

With deep sadness, the children of Grace Caroline (Douglass) Montemayor Landis announce her peaceful passing on Christmas morning, December 25, 2025, at 4:05 AM.

Born on March 15, 1933, she was the second child of Mildred I. (Kriebel) Douglass and James P. Douglass. Grace was born at the home of her Uncle George and Aunt Grace Griffith, whom her parents and older sister were living with at the time during the Great Depression. The family eventually moved to their home on Harry Street in Conshohocken, PA . Grace attended school in Conshohocken, enjoying playing softball and basketball. She was chosen as May Queen in both 6th and 9th grades. In High School, she enjoyed being a member of the Chorus, being chosen to attend State Chorus with other children from all over Pennsylvania. Grace graduated as Salutatorian of her class at Conshohocken High School. She went on to study voice in Philadelphia, singing at various events. Unbeknownst to Grace, a young man had obtained a picture taken of her from when she was singing at one of those events and carried that picture with him while he was in the service. Grace met this young man, Victor J. Montemayor, on a double date and he showed her the picture. She told the story of them "dancing the night away." They married on 6/8/1956 at St. Thomas' Episcopal Church in Whitemarch, PA, where Grace was a paid singer for the choir. They resided on East 11th Avenue in Conshohocken, PA following their marriage in a home owned by her Aunt Ethel. Grace and Vic soon welcomed their first son, Victor, Jr. followed by their daughters, Linda and Gail.  Grace and Vic built their first home on land owned by Vic's parents, Joseph and Lupe Montemayor, at 2213 New Hope Street in Norristown, PA. It was in that home that they welcomed their fourth child, a son, Andrew. Grace enjoyed her full-time role as a Wife, Mother and homemaker with her children remembering awakening to her singing in the kitchen and the wonderful meals she would make for them, always complete with a homemade dessert. In 1975, the family moved to 675 Morris Road, Blue Bell, PA. As her children were older, Grace decided to return to working, taking a job at a private preschool. She then met her dear friend, NancyLee, who was a consultant with Mary Kay Cosmetics. At NancyLee's encouragement, Grace also became a consultant and eventually a Director with her unit being named "Grace's Gems." Grace recruited her daughter, Gail, and niece, Beth Ann, to become consultants and they obliged, toting their pink cases full of product to pass on to others the knowledge of the importance of skin care. Grace enjoyed attending seminars in Dallas, TX and particularly spoke about meeting Mary Kay herself in person. She remained a Director with Mary Kay for a number of years, speaking and teaching classes until Mary Kay passed away and the company was sold.

Following the death of her husband, Vic, in 1986, Grace moved to Gwynedd Hunt in Spring House, PA. She was a partner with H/S Therapy Associates at that time with her primary role being marketing and running the temporary physical therapist placement aspect of the business. Upon her retirement, she continued with charity work, being a member of the Wissahickon Chamber of Commerce where she became Secretary and received the honor of being named Citizen of the Year for the Ambler area. She also was a member of Ambler Rotary Club. It was at Ambler Rotary Club that she met Richard Landis, whom she married on 5/30/1992. Grace and Dick spent their retirement years traveling. They purchased a winter home in Naples, FL where they also purchased a boat that they took on many excursions. After Grace's daughter, Gail, gave birth to her daughter, Victoria, in 1999, Grace felt the pull to return to Pennsylvania full-time as that connection with her new granddaughter was too great for her to be away from over the winter months. Grace and Dick decided to sell their home in Naples, FL and bring their boat to Worton Creek Marina on the Chesapeake Bay where they enjoyed time with family and friends. They eventually purchased a vacation home in Lovell, Maine, where they also enjoyed spending time.

Grace thrived in her role as Nana to Victoria, spending as much time with her as she possibly could. After her daughter, Gail, married her second husband, Roger, in 2010, Grace became the Nana to Roger's 2 young children, Jared and Ashlee, whom she also loved greatly.

Following Dick's passing in 2016, Grace moved to Foulkeways at Gwynedd where she resided until her passing. Grace's family cannot express enough the gratitude they have for the care their mother received at Foulkeways, especially in her final days.

Grace is survived by her children, Victor J. Montemayor of Worcester, PA; Linda F. Montemayor of Lower Gwynedd, PA; Gail J. Bernd (Roger) of Montgomeryville, PA and Andrew J. Montemayor of Lower Gwynedd, PA. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, Victoria M. Johnson and Ashlee D. Bernd of Montgomeryville, PA and Jared L. Bernd of Skippack, PA as well as her sister, Jacqueline Heffernen of Ambler, PA and many cousins, nieces and nephews whom she adored.

In addition to her parents and husbands, Grace was preceded in death by her sisters, Diane Kenna and Joan E. Auch.

At Grace's request, there will be no services and interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her memory to the support's coordination agency for her special granddaughter, Victoria: The Arc Alliance, 3075 Ridge Pike, Eagleville, PA  19403.