We recently said goodbye to Grace Ann Rau, beloved Annapolis High School English teacher (retired), wife of MAJ Robert Rau, USMC, Mom to 5, and Granny Grace to many. Grace Ann died peacefully of natural causes at home in Severna Park, with family by her side. She was 89 years old.

Born May 14, 1937, Grace Ann Henderson was the daughter of Lulu and O.C. “Red” Henderson. She grew up in Rivesville, West Virginia before moving to Annapolis to start her teaching career. Grace Ann taught English for 32 years with Anne Arundel County Public Schools, mainly at Annapolis High School. She also served as English Department Chair. Grace Ann loved acting and theater. She appeared in many college productions at Fairmont State University where she received her Bachelor’s Degree, and Bowling Green University, where she earned her Master of Arts. Occasionally she appeared in student and staff productions at Annapolis High School as well, most notably as Mrs. MacAfee in “Bye Bye Birdie,” and as Sally in “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.” She coached the AHS Speech and Debate Team, and the AHS It’s Academic Team, appearing with them on television in competitions for many years. After retiring, she served as adjunct faculty at Anne Arundel Community College and scored Advanced Placement English Exams for the College Board.

Grace Ann loved to travel with her husband Bob, especially to Singapore, Indonesia, and Australia. She attended the University of Hawaii for post-graduate work in 1983 and especially enjoyed returning to Hawaii over the years to visit friends. She supported local artists everywhere she traveled, and decorated her home with paintings, sculptures, puppets and furniture from around the world.

At home, Grace Ann enjoyed her ever-growing family, her students, her wonderful friends, and the Naval Academy Romeos and Juliets group. She visited the Fenwick Island beaches with her dear cousin Barbara Hamilton. Grace Ann loved music, playing piano, and singing with the Annapolis Chorale. She was a longtime Annapolis resident, but had many other places she called home, including West Virginia, Ocean Pines, Maryland, Kailua, Hawaii, Naples, Florida, and most recently Sunrise of Severna Park, Maryland, where she was supported in Memory Care. The family is sincerely grateful to the wonderful staff of Sunrise Severna Park, and to Sister Linda, who helped keep Grace’s love of music and singing alive.

Grace Ann is survived by her two sons, Michael Scott Schenck of Chester, Maryland, William Christopher Schenck and wife Theresa of Severna Park, Maryland, daughter Stacy Schenck Allen of North Beach, Maryland, stepdaughters Elizabeth Rau Benner and husband Jay of Cedar, Michigan, Anne Rau Digges and husband Bill of Purcellville, Virginia, 18 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren, with 3 more on the way. Grace Ann is preceded in death by her husband USNA Professor Emeritus Dr. Robert Lincoln Rau, brother George Wesley Henderson, granddaughter Christina Lynn Schenck, and son-in-law Robert Lee Allen, Jr.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 pm on Sunday, October 25, 2026 in the Red Maple Pavilion at Quiet Waters Park, Annapolis, Maryland. Grace Ann loved Quiet Waters, and often hosted family events there. Interment will be attended by family at the United States Naval Academy Columbarium.

In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting a charity of your choice in Grace Ann’s name.