Grace Knoche, died peacefully on the 18 February, a few days after her 97th birthday. Leader of the TS Pasadena for 35 years, her passing is a sad loss for members and colleagues at Headquarters and around the world not to mention all her many devoted friends.

Grace’s unassuming and warm personality concealed deep wisdom and considerable ability. Her delicious sense of humour and lightning wit remained undiminished. She always gave utmost attention to whatever job or problem in hand with scrupulous attention to detail. It was the same with people. She genuinely cared for each and everyone she knew whether personally or through correspondence, as well as remembering names, respective families and circumstances. Grace instructed by encouragement and praise and was never imperious or dogmatic.

Grace leaves us a wealth of riches; her very readable books The Mystery Schools and To Light a Thousand Lamps provide students with clear and contemporary explanations of
H.P. Blavatsky’s teachings. As Sunrise editor for 3 decades, her leading articles are treasures of wisdom written in exquisite yet accessible prose.

Those who were fortunate enough to meet Grace when she visited our shores during the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s will no doubt have their own tributes. Fortunately all her Theosophical tour meetings here and in other countries have been recorded for posterity in print.

Grace’s unremitting work and inspirational guidance has safely carried the Theosophical Society Pasadena into the 21st century. All her writings and talks faithfully adhere to HPB’s original tenet: Altruism is the Key to Theosophy.

Our gratitude to Grace is immeasurable.