Grace G. (Jaffe) Thierfeld, 79, of West Hartford, devoted and loving wife of the late Gunther Thierfeld, passed away at home on Friday, (December 16, 2005), after a long illness. She was born to the late Louis and Lillian (Levine) Jaffe in Pittsfield, Massachusetts on November 30, 1926. Grace lived in West Hartford during her entire adult life. She was a graduate of Indiana University and held a degree in Elementary Education. Grace was often recognized as an exceptional schoolteacher during her career in Avon, West Hartford and East Hartford. After teaching 1st grade for more than 30 years, Grace retired from the Pitkin Elementary School, in East Hartford. She had a passion for reading and a love for her family and friends. She was known for her cooking, baking, and knitting in addition to playing cards and mahjong with several local clubs. Grace is survived by her son, Jeffrey D. Thierfeld, his wife, Cindy of Portland; her daughter, Jane Thierfeld-Brown, her husband Stuart, of West Hartford; and a sister, Ada Klein of Pittsfield, MA; sister-in-law, Francine Thierfeld of Bloomfield; five grandchildren, Amy, Charlie, Hannah, Sarah and Max, as well as many loving nieces, nephews and close friends. She was predeceased by her brothers Albert, Harold and Sidney Jaffe. Grace held a special place in her heart for her grandson, Max, whose disability only enhanced his grandmother’s teaching abilities and patience. Grace’s family would like to thank Kristen from Hospice whose loving touch prolonged her life and made many very difficult times more bearable. Funeral Services will be held at Weinstein Mortuary, 640 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, on Tuesday, December 20th at 1 p.m. Memorial Contributions may be made to: River Street School Playground, 601 River Street, Windsor, CT 06095.