Grace Wilder Drennan

Grace Wilder Drennan, née Osborn, of Indianapolis, beloved wife, devoted mother, and treasured friend, died peacefully in her sleep, with family at her side, in the early-morning hours of Thursday, January 18, at age 92. 

Grace was born in Morristown, New Jersey to Chester A. and Alice Harmon Osborn. Grace graduated from Morristown High School, then earned a degree in education from Maryville College. Grace’s career as an elementary-school teacher began in Morristown. She taught next in Chicago, Illinois, where she met her husband, Robert A. Drennan. After a few stops in Indiana and Ohio, in 1969 the couple settled in Indianapolis to raise their family.

Grace was an active member of Northminster Presbyterian Church for longer than 50 years, including many years teaching third-grade Sunday school, and later serving as a deaconess. 

Grace displayed a life-long passion for teaching. She served as a volunteer reading tutor in public schools, and provided decades of tireless support of her children’s wide-ranging interests. Grace served in troop leadership in Girl Scouts, as a den mother in Cub Scouts, and in parent support groups for North Central High School’s band program, to name only a few. 

A natural athlete from her youth (including tennis and basketball,) as an adult, Grace bowled in a series of leagues where she “continuously improved.” Grace said the same, about her many years in her neighborhood bridge club. An avid sports fan, Grace endlessly cheered for her Indianapolis Colts, Indiana Pacers, and Purdue University teams. 

Grace’s wonderful, wry sense of humor, and kindness to all, remained with her, even through her final moments. 

Grace is survived by her three children, Leanne C. Drennan (John W. Roth) of Glenview, Illinois; Bryce W. Drennan of Alexandria, Virginia; and Ward R. Drennan of Shoreline, Washington; and her four grandchildren (Alexander Roth, Ashleigh Roth, Kathryn Drennan, and Callum Drennan;) as well as admiring cousins, nieces, and nephews. Grace was preceded in death by her husband, and also by her older brother, Robert H. Osborn. 

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations in Grace’s name, to Girl Scouts of Central Indiana, or to Northminster Presbyterian Church, for children’s Christian education. 

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To donate to Northminster Presbyterian Church, for children’s Christian education, visit: 
https://northminster-indy.org

Along top edge of the page, click “GIVE.” 
Click the button “Give Today!” 
This will redirect you to “shelbygiving.com.” 
Next to “Memorial Gifts - To make a gift in memory of someone please” click on the words “click here first.” 
Under “Fund Options” select “Other.”
In the adjacent field below, please enter “For children’s Christian education.” (requires an entry) 
In the field labeled “In whose memory are you making this gift?” please enter “Grace Drennan.” 

To donate to Girl Scouts of Central Indiana visit: 
https://girlscoutsindiana.networkforgood.com/projects/205532-support-girl-scouts-of-central-indiana-2023

Enter a “Donation Amount.” 
Then “Select a Donation Frequency.” 
Next, look for “Honor or remember someone with your gift?” and choose “Memorial.” 
For “Whom do you want to recognize?” enter “Grace Drennan.” 
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You may enter “Your relationship to them:” 
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