In Memoriam: Grace Warne, 1964-2023

Grace Nicklas Warne — an Upper School math teacher and advisor at Brunswick since 2006— died Saturday, August 12, after a long illness.

Grace was born July 18, 1964, in Brooklyn, N.Y., to Marilyn and Richard Nicklas. The oldest of three sisters, Grace grew up in Islip, N.Y., graduated from the Academy of St. Joseph, and went on to earn degrees from Mount Holyoke College and the University of New Hampshire.

Grace taught high school math, first at the Brearley School in New York and later at Brunswick. Her love of mathematics was matched only by her dedication to her students. Although she came from a family of girls, was a mother of girls, and was educated among girls and women, Grace knew how to teach and guide boys. Her no-nonsense, practical, and consistent method of teaching ensured that her students received exactly what they needed. She devoted countless hours to her teaching, tutoring, and mentoring — and her love for her craft and her students carried her through some of her toughest days.

Grace was the beloved wife of David, and loving mother of Charlotte (GA ’15) of Munich, Germany, and Susanna (GA ’19) of Boston, Mass. They were her inner circle and nothing in the world was more important and precious to her. She felt immense pride for her two daughters. She is also survived by her parents, Marilyn and Richard Nicklas of Ft. Myers, Fla., and her sisters, Mary Ellen (Nicklas) Winn and Trish (Nicklas) Landgren, both of Boxford, Mass. She also leaves behind her sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nine nieces and nephews, and seven grandnieces and nephews.

“The example of positivity, strength, and persistence that Grace displayed on a daily basis during her two-year battle was an inspiration to us all,” Head of School Tom Philip said.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Mount Holyoke Friends of Rowing, the Chebeague Island Library, or the American Cancer Society.