Grace K. Homsany

Grace K. Homsany, age 86, a resident of Ocean Springs for 22 years, passed away on June 15, 2012. Mrs. Homsany was born in Annapolis, MD where her father, brother and grandfather were active duty members of the Naval Academy Marching Band for many years. Grace is preceded in death by her parents, John and Pauline Kleis. She is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Thomas (Tony) Homsany; sons, Robert Manley of Ocean Springs and John Manley of Sebatian, FL; brother Arthur Kleis of St. Charles, Iowa; sister, Joan Thompson of Lady lake, FL; and their families. Grace loved people and created lasting friendships in all of the many places she lived and visited. She adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her Christian faith remained strong throughout her lifetime, and she passed this faith along to her family. She was a loyal parish member of St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church for the past 22 years. In addition to raising two sons, Grace accomplished much in her life. She worked in the Pentagon during WW II while in her late teens. In 1977, she became a certified, licensed cosmetologist and in 1979, owned and operated two successful beauty salons in Miami Beach, FL. Grace possessed a passion for animals and their welfare. While in Miami, she and Tony also raised Great Danes under the kennel name of “Lorien Danes.” They were the breeders of many champions, including “best of breed” champions. In addition to raising Great Danes, many stray or neglected cats and dogs found a safe and loving refuge with Grace and Tony. They moved to Ocean Springs, MS, in 1990. Two years later, Grace and Tony arranged for casino tours for her bridge club, named “The Bridge Buddies.” This proved so popular that they subsequently had 300 thankful people participating in touring the casinos and receiving free meals, comps, cash, and gifts for many months to come. Grace will be deeply missed by her family and many friends, who will remember the love she shared with them, her liveliness, firm convictions and wonderful stories. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church. Friends may visit from 9:30 a.m. until Mass time. Entombment will follow in Southern Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials be made to: Hospice of Light, 2012 Hwy 90, Suite 29, Gautier, MS 39553.