Register of Wills

RETIREMENT & ACCOMPLISHED CAREER OF REGISTER OF WILLS, GRACE G. CONNOLLY By John Gontrum

On March 16, 2021 Grace Connolly announced her retirement as the Register of Wills of Baltimore County. Chief Judge William R. Evans issued a statement saying: “Grace Connolly is a Baltimore County icon and is credited with the professional and courteous manner in which the Register’s office operates.” But if an icon is a static image, neither an image nor any words can capture Grace Connolly, for she is one of the most dynamic individuals you will find anywhere. Grace was first elected as Register of Wills in 1998. She was the 18th Register of Wills of Baltimore County and the first woman to be elected to that position. Prior to becoming Register of Wills she was elected to the Orphan’s Court for Baltimore County in 1986, became its Chief Judge in 1990 and served until her election as Register of Wills. For years, those of us who had occasion to do estate planning for our clients or to probate the estates believed that Baltimore County had the most efficient and helpful clerks in the State.

Grace loves politics and public service. Prior to serving as an Orphan’s Court Judge she served on the Baltimore County Democratic State Central Committee, and had been a Democratic National Committeewoman from 1980-1986. She was Treasurer of the Maryland Democratic Party in 19791980 and went to the 2000 National Convention as a delegate. She belongs to a countless number of civic and social groups and has been a board member or officer of most of them. As Judge Evans referenced, she is easily one of the most recognized persons in Baltimore County. Former State Senator Michael Collins refers to her as “Amazing Grace”. Whether it is a Chamber of Commerce, community association, senior center, fraternal organization or sorority, Grace has probably been there numerous times either as a speaker or as a guest or member. Grace started her career as a nurse. Dear to her heart is Mercy Medical Center where she worked as a nurse even while on the Orphan’s Court. She is a proud alumna of the Institute of Notre Dame in downtown Baltimore.

After serving as Past President of the Orphans’ Court Association of Maryland, she was elected by her peers across the country as President of the National College of Probate Judges. She was a leader among the Orphans’ Court judges and Registers of Wills in Maryland. So as she goes into retirement after decades of accomplishment what does she leave us? We have one of the highest functioning government agencies in the country. Our Register of Wills office is a model thanks to Grace and the people she brought to the office over the decades. Grace also leaves us a sterling example of public service. Politicians are generally not high on the scale of public opinion, but Grace believes helping people at times of need and stress is a way of life, and she has reveled in it whether as a nurse or as a government servant. She believes in helping people, which is what we hope our elected officials will do when elected to office. She also demonstrated that you can raise a family, have a career and be involved with her community through touching individuals and volunteering with local organizations. Grace made a difference, and for that we are all grateful and wish her the very best in her retirement. Her connections throughout the County are legion.