Grace Zahn Wohlsen, a beloved mother, sister, and lifelong lover of books, languages, travel, the arts, and the Philadelphia Phillies, passed away peacefully at her home in Alexandria, Virginia, on September 20, 2025, at the age of 93. Born on August 19, 1932, in York, Pennsylvania, Grace lived a life filled with curiosity, creativity, and a deep devotion to her family, friends, and community.

Grace earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, with a minor in French, from Pennsylvania State University. After a few years as a social worker in Baltimore, Maryland, she followed her passion for learning and service into librarianship, earning her Master’s Degree in Library Science from Drexel University. She began her career at the Free Library of Philadelphia, where a shared love of books and community led her to meet her husband, the late Theodore O. Wohlsen, Jr. After starting her family, Grace returned to library work at the community college level, ultimately finding her professional home at Manchester Community College until her retirement. Helping students discover the world through books and learning was one of her greatest joys.

Grace’s passions extended far beyond her career. A devoted Philadelphia Phillies fan, she cheered for her team with unwavering loyalty. Music was a lifelong companion—she played piano, sang in her church choir, and supported the Philadelphia Orchestra. Her love of languages enriched her love of travel: she studied French and Spanish in school, kept up her French over the years, and even began learning German later in life. Grace and Ted shared a love of travel, spending several unforgettable summers living in Pariis — her favorite city, perhaps second only to Philadelphia — where they rented an apartment for three months at a time, using it as a home base to explore the rich tapestry of Europe.  Closer to home, she held a special affection for Cape Cod, where annual fall vacations in Chatham with her family created some of her happiest memories, a tradition she cherished throughout her life. She also delighted in visiting national parks across the United States and found joy and relaxation in knitting. A lifelong reader and learner, Grace brought warmth, curiosity, and creativity to everything she touched, leaving a lasting impression on all who knew her.

Grace and Ted raised their family in West Hartford, Connecticut, where they lived for more than 20 years. Following retirement, they returned to Philadelphia, where Grace enjoyed two more decades immersed in the city’s arts, culture, and community life, before relocating to Alexandria in 2024 to be closer to family.

Grace is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth Anne Wohlsen Bennett, and son-in-law, Justin Curtis Bennett; her son, Theodore O. Wohlsen III, and daughter-in-law, Maarika Wohlsen; and her grandson, Noah Wohlsen. She is also lovingly remembered by her step-grandchildren, Nooa and Lumi Kuusisto, and by her sister, Helen Loucks, who will celebrate her 100th birthday this December. She was predeceased by her husband, Ted; her sister, Betty Harrold; her brother, Robert Zahn; and her parents, Leo and Mary (Eisenhart) Zahn.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 313 Pine Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Grace’s memory to St. Peter’s Episcopal Church (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania), Peace Lutheran Church (Alexandria, Virginia), the Nature Conservancy, the World Wildlife Fund, or the Philadelphia Orchestra—organizations and communities that reflected her deepest values and passions.

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