Obituary of Gracey Higley

Grace E. “Gracey” Higley Olean, NY Grace E. “Gracey” Higley, 49, of 1833 Willard St., passed away Thursday (November 21, 2024) at the Olean General Hospital after a lengthy illness. Born December 2, 1974 in Olean, she was the daughter of Miles J. “Mike” and Margaret Simmons Higley. On August 22, 2020 in Hinsdale, she married Tina Bish who survives. Gracey was a graduate of Olean High School and resided in this area her entire life. She formerly worked for the Cattaraugus County Nursing Home in Olean. She spent several years working as a bartender for both the former Cheers bar and the former Sean Patrick’s bar. She most recently bartended at the Olean American Legion. She was well-liked at that job because she loved being around people, was very social, and was affectionately known as the “funniest, most obnoxious” bartender in Olean. Outside of work she loved the beach, and she enjoyed many trips to Myrtle Beach and Ocean City over the years. She helped in many ways with anyone who was in need, including many area benefits. Gracey leaves behind her loving spouse Tina; her mother Margaret of Allegany; 1 sister Rebecca (John Louser) Gilbert-Louser of Olean; 1 brother Michael (Carrie) Higley of Hinsdale; 4 step-children, Amber Douglas of Cuba, Joann (Ed Ruiz) Palumbo of Olean, Lorraine Gould of Virginia, and Damion Merril of Friendship; several nieces and nephews, and great nieces and great nephews. She was predeceased by her father Mike in 2013. Gracey’s family invites friends to a celebration of her life on Sunday (December 8, 2024) from 1-5pm at the Allegany American Legion, 4350 Route. 417, Allegany. Burial will be at a later date. Arrangements are by the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, Olean.