M. Grace Mellinger, 88, of Lancaster, passed away Sunday, November 29, 2009 in Titusville, FL. Born in Lancaster, she was the daughter of the late Donat Sr. and Mary (Yecker) Sabatine. Grace was the wife of the late Charles D. Mellinger Sr., who died in 1986.

Grace was the Cafeteria Manager at Sacred Heart School until her retirement in 1982. She was a member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, the Pennsylvania Catholic Beneficial League, and AARP. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Grace is survived by 4 sons: Charles D. Mellinger Jr., husband of Barbara, of Telford, PA; William D. Mellinger, husband of Tedi, of Doylestown, PA; Richard D. Mellinger of Titusville, FL; and Daniel E. Mellinger, husband of Laurie, of Lancaster; 12 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren. Also a brother, Joseph Sabatine, husband of Patsy, of Conestoga; and a sister, Agnes Meyer, wife of Paul, of Titusville, FL. She was preceded in death by 4 brothers: Fabian, Paul, Leo and Donat Jr., and 2 sisters, Anna and Margaret.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, December 5, 2009 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 501 E. Orange St. Lancaster, at 11 a.m. with Rev. Daniel Mitzel as Celebrant. Family and friends will be received at the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home, 414 E. King St. Lancaster, before the service from 9:30-10:30. Interment will follow at St. Anthony's Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Catholic Charities, 925 North Duke St., Lancaster, PA 17602. To send an online condolence or for more information please visit snyderfuneralhome.com