Grace M. Smitkowski von Ehr, age 92, of Bridgeport, beloved wife of retired Assistant Chief of the Bridgeport Fire Department, Joseph J. von Ehr, passed away, Friday, June 25, 2010, in Connecticut Hospice, Branford. Grace was born in Hackensack, NJ, daughter of Arthur and Sophie Tiedamann Smitkowski, and graduated from Central High School, Class of 1936. She was a clerical worker with General Electric and other companies prior to her marriage in 1950. After her marriage she dedicated herself to her immediate and extended family. She was a former member of St. Andrew and more recently St. Theresa parish. She loved to cook, garden and was an excellent seamstress. In addition to her husband of 60 years, Joseph J., survivors include her loving children and their families; Joseph T. von Ehr and wife Fatima, and their children Julia and Alex of Southport, Dr. Margaret A. von Ehr and her son Michael Liang of Westbrook, Katherine M. von Ehr and husband Fred E. Wulff and their daughter Sara Grace of Andover, MA. She is survived by several nieces and nephews and their families, T.J. and Robert Krantz, Kevyn and Craig Morazes, Barbara Callahan and Peter Smitkowski. Grace was predeceased by two brothers, Arthur Jr., and Casimere Smitkowski. and two sisters, Eleanor Morazes and Mary Krantz.. Friends and relatives may call Tuesday, July 6, from 6 PM to 8 PM in the Redgate Hennessy Funeral Home, Main Street and Gorham Place, Trumbull. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 7, at 12:30 PM. in St. Theresa Church, Trumbull. Interment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Trumbull. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Grace's memory to the charity of one's choice. To send on line condolences please visit www.redgatehennessy.com