Dr. Grace M. Donnelly, 96, of Providence, RI, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 20,
2026. She was also affectionately known by so many as Doctor Grace.
Grace lived an adventurous life dedicated to science and the study of our natural world. All
during a time when women were discouraged from entering into such pursuits.
She was a graduate of Hope High School class of 1946. Grace went on to earn a Bachelor
degree in Biology from the University of Rhode Island, a Masters degree from Brown University,
and her PhD in Cytology, the study of cell biology, from the University of Connecticut. She also
studied at UCLA, and did plant genetics research for the citrus industry in Florida. Her longest
professional tenure was at the University of Kentucky, Lexington, 1965 – 1985. There she
taught biology and conducted ground breaking cancer research on the affects of tobacco on
cells, securing funding from the tobacco industry.
Later in life Grace returned to Rhode Island to open her own environmental consulting firm and
pursue genetic researching of Rhode Island’s native salt marsh grasses.
Grace was a devoted life-long Girl Scout, and passionate bird watcher. When Grace was not in
a classroom, lab, or library, she was an avid outdoor enthusiast. She loved to camp, fish,
backpack, mountain climb, ice climb, and cycle. In 1964 injuries from a mountain climbing
accident required her being rescued by helicopter. She was also an accomplished cyclist,
qualifying for the 1980 USA Olympic team for time trial cycling.
She loved sharing her adventures across the country with her nieces and nephews. She also
shared her love of science and the natural world with young people, especially through her
leadership rolls with the Girl Scout organization. Grace was very generous with her time and
talents helping others enjoy the camping experience at her beloved Camp Hoffman in South
Kingstown, RI.
Grace was the daughter of the late John F. Donnelly, Sr and Theresa A. (Fay) Donnelly of
Providence, the sister of the late Mildred (Donnelly) Indorf, the late John F. Donnelly, Jr., the late
Richard F. Donnelly, and she leaves behind many cherished nieces, and nephews.
Grace viewed life though a different lens than most, but whether through a microscope or
binoculars, she never stopped looking.
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