Grace Apicella

Grace Viola Apicella, aged 105, of Tiffin, went home to be with the Lord peacefully at her home with her daughter at her side, Tuesday, July 7, 2026. She was born on March 30, 1921, in Fremont, to George and Celesta Bingaman. Grace was a radiant soul whose life was as vibrant and engaging as the melodies she played on her piano.

Grace lived her life with a spirit of joy and resilience. Her love for animals was profound, providing nurturing care and feeding many throughout her lifetime. Grace's cooking was legendary in her family. She hosted and cooked many holiday meals well into her 90's, her Christmas cookies being the highlight of the season. Her ability to play the piano "by ear" and her knack for the mouth harp (harmonica) brought music and laughter into their lives. Grace often fondly reminisced about seeing " the tail end of the horse and buggy days" and took pride in being the first girl in her family to earn her driver's license and buy a car.

As a young woman, Grace showcased her creative flair by dressing windows at Fremont Joseph's, earning her an offer in Toledo. She later managed the cosmetic department at Fremont Newberry Company. Grace's working-class spirit led her to various factory jobs in Fremont, ultimately retiring from GE in Tiffin after 20 years of service.

Grace was preceded in death by her parents, George and Celesta Bingaman; her sisters, Ethel Fowler, Gladys Bingaman, and Ruth Lacy; her brothers, George Bingaman, Clair Bingaman, and infant brother, Earl Bingaman; and her son-in-law, Robert Wagner. She is survived by her daughter, Carmela Wagner, who resides in Tiffin, Ohio.

A visitation will be held, 10am, Monday, July 13, 2026, at Auxter-Recker Funeral Home, 218 S Main St, Clyde, OH, until funeral at 11am. Memorial contributions in honor of Grace may be made to the organization of your choice.

We invite you to share your cherished memories and upload photos of Grace to the memorial page. Your tributes will help keep her spirit alive, and her memories cherished forever.