Grace P. Cross

Grace P. Cross, 92, of Sanford, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, February 19, 2026.

Born on March 20, 1933, in Stewartstown, New Hampshire, Grace was the beloved daughter of Bert and Evelyn Phillips and the oldest of nineteen children. She grew up on the family farm in Colebrook, New Hampshire, where she quickly learned the value of hard work, responsibility, and devotion to family. As the eldest, Grace became like a second mother to her younger siblings—cooking meals, caring for them, and guiding them with gentle strength. In the winter months, she would hitch her horse, Buster, to the sleigh and proudly drive her brothers and sisters to school, a memory that would become a treasured family story for generations.

In 1953, Grace married the love of her life, Robert W. Cross. Together they shared 40 years of marriage and raised four children before Robert’s passing in 1993. Their life together was built on faith, perseverance, and a shared dream of creating something meaningful. Grace worked diligently throughout her life, holding several positions over the years. She was employed at Tillotson Rubber Company and later worked at Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital alongside her daughter and mother, serving as a CNA and EMT. She continued her EMT work at Manchester Manufacturing Company, dedicating herself to caring for others with compassion and skill.

Never one to shy away from a challenge, Grace and Robert pursued certification to operate a greenhouse and together proudly owned and operated Cross’s Greenhouse in Lemington, New Hampshire. For many years, they nurtured not only beautiful plants but also lasting relationships with customers who returned season after season. During those years, they also enjoyed escaping the cold northern winters by spending time in Arizona.

In 1995, following Robert’s death, Grace met Leonald Lehoux. Their companionship blossomed into love, and they were married in 2008. Together they shared 17 wonderful years of marriage until Leonald’s passing in 2025. Grace and Leonald enjoyed traveling between Maine and Florida before building their home and settling in Maine full-time in 2008, where Grace continued to create beauty all around her.

Grace had a deep love for creativity and the simple joys of life. She collected elephants, each one special to her. She was artistic and talented, finding happiness in crafts, painting, flower arranging, and gardening. Behind her home stood her cherished small greenhouse, where she lovingly grew her own plants. She enjoyed baking, especially her homemade bread, which warmed both hearts and homes. Grace found peace outdoors, tending to her flower gardens and taking pride in making her home a place of comfort and beauty for her family.

A faithful member of the First Baptist Church in Sanford, Grace served in the choir and delighted in playing her harmonica. Her faith was quiet but steadfast, reflected in her gentle nature and kind spirit.

Above all else, Grace was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She cherished time spent at home surrounded by her family. Though she was a quiet woman, her presence was strong, steady, and deeply comforting. She took immense pride in caring for those she loved, and her legacy of devotion and grace will live on in each of them.

Grace was predeceased by her parents; her first husband, Robert W. Cross, Sr.; her second husband, Leonald Lehoux; and eight siblings, Barbara Cass, Richard Phillips, Roy Phillips, Harold Phillips, Stewart Phillips, Ellen Phillips, John Phillips, and Dorothy Phillips.

She is survived by her four children, Joy Quay and her husband Jon of Lancaster, NH; Sonya Cross-Yee and her husband James of Manchester, NH; Tammy Cross of Colebrook, NH; and Robert Cross, Jr. and his wife Tammi of Newport, VT. She also leaves behind ten beloved grandchildren: Rebecca, Andrew, Elizabeth, Kathryn, Brooke, Tyler, Sheane, Cody, Brandon, and Gracie; eight cherished great-grandchildren: Charlotte, Evelyn, Mila, Yana, Joey, Mallarie, Ellie, and Elaina; ten siblings: Carlene LaBranche, Samantha Roy, Doris Goyette, Carl Phillips, Wayne Phillips, Sue Normand, Donna McLaren, Derwood Phillips, Michael Phillips, and Nancy Phillips and numerous nieces and nephews.

Grace will be dearly missed by her family and friends, but the seeds of love, faith, and kindness she planted throughout her life will continue to bloom for generations to come.

A memorial service will be held in the spring at a date to be announced.