New facility honors Holy Cross Rower, killed in crash two years ago

UXBRIGDE, Mass. — Brianne Rett was brought to tears after she cut the ribbon to officially open the GRACE Center dedicated to her sister.

“I just felt Grace, I just felt her right next to me,” said Brianne Rett.

Grace Rett was a rower for Holy Cross, who was killed in a team van accident in Florida two years ago.

“You mentally feel Grace everywhere in here, whether it’s the academic spaces, all the nods to her athletic career, or just God being present here throughout the quotes on the wall and everything you can feel her,” said Brianne Rett.

From a display case with her awards to a wall of her pictures, and even Grace’s oars hanging from the ceiling, the new athletic and education center was built at her elementary school, Our Lady of the Valley Regional School in Uxbridge.

“It’s amazing because this was such a dream for two years now and to see everything come back to OLV and see Grace’s legacy be established for generations to come, it’s a great feeling,” said Shea Kirby, a Holy Cross senior who rowed with Grace.

Grace’s sister also designed a mural, showcasing all of Grace’s athletics, which even includes Grace’s own handwriting.

“The community spread and people have reached out across the entire country, it’s amazing,” said Mary Joe Rett, Grace’s mother.

The center was built off donations raised by Grace’s fellow rowers, plus a one-million-dollar anonymous donation.

Her family says it was always Grace’s dream to have a gym at her school, so now her legacy will live on to benefit other students for years to come.

“It’s a beacon because not only to symbolize Jesus and his love for us, but Grace’s light too,” said Mary Joe Rett, referring to the cross lit up outside the building. “We can see it, we live right down the street too so it’s amazing to drive by and see.”

©2022 Cox Media Group