Grace J. Dragowitz

I grew up with the Dragowitz family in Hauppauge, so I have many cherished memories. But my favorite one is the most recent. Several years ago at Mr. Dragowitz’s wake, I was able to watch Mrs. Dragowitz in a master class of how greet and host a group of people. Even in her grief, I watched as she greeted each new arrival with a reminiscence of how she knew them – even if it was from decades earlier! At first, I just casually noticed. As the day went on, I witnessed this again and again as she instantly made people feel warm and welcomed. I thought that this is what they mean when they say ‘this is how it’s done.’ As she traveled through the room, she would introduce various people with stories about each of them and then move on leaving them to have something to talk about with each other. She may have chosen to be a stay-at-home mom, but I knew if she had wanted, she could have been a successful politician, mover and shaker or influencer! I’m glad that she didn’t – and not just because we have different political ‘sides’ – but especially because she added so much to make our neighborhood the magical place it was to grow up. I know she’s having a wonderful and well-deserved reunion with Mr. Dragowitz, Aunt Pat, and the rest of the Swallow Lane parents who preceded her.

Jean Marie, Fred and family, our condolences for your loss. Lou and Madeline Piancone

I was so saddened to learn my good friend, Grace, passed away last Saturday. I remember her as a wonderful, kind and friendly neighbor at HIW. Grace always had a beautiful smile. I will miss her dearly. God bless you Grace ❤️ I am so grateful to have known you. Rest in peace.

Peggy