“The secret of a happy heart is serving others.”
Grace Robinson didn’t just say those words—she lived them.
After more than two decades as a nun in the Sacred Heart Order, Grace felt called to serve in a new and profound way: by becoming a mother. With great courage, she received permission to break her vows and adopted three older children as a single parent. Her deep compassion and belief in second chances became the foundation of her life and work. She even wrote a book about adopting older children and travelled the country interviewing families who had done the same.
In 1990, Grace moved to Fort Collins to be near her goddaughter, Bailey. From that point on, she poured herself into the community—partnering on a local farm, volunteering with nonprofits like Ten Thousand Villages and Neighbor to Neighbor and becoming an active member of St. John XXIII and St. Joseph Catholic Parishes.
A woman of joyful balance, Grace rode horses into her 80s, travelled the world and always made time for faith, service and singing in church choirs.
Grace also became a close friend of Sister Mary Alice Murphy, the founder of Samaritan House Fort Collins—a ministry of Catholic Charities serving Larimer County. Samaritan House Fort Collins, formerly known as The Mission, provides vital support to women and families experiencing homelessness. Grace believed deeply in that mission and supported Catholic Charities with both her time and her heart.
“Her heart went out to anyone who was suffering,” said Bailey. “She always felt a need to relieve that suffering however she could.”
After a long and meaningful life, Grace passed away on April 18, 2024. To honor her life, a legacy gift is being made to Catholic Charities in her name, ensuring that her compassion will continue to serve others through Samaritan House Fort Collins.
“I felt like it was a gift for me to take care of her,” Bailey shared. “Now this gift will help care for others, just like she did.”
To learn more about leaving a legacy gift to Catholic Charities serving Larimer County, visit ccdenver.org/donate/#plannedgiving or call 720-799-9311.