Martha Grace Hale 1975-2026

Grace, 50, of Bracketts Farm, Louisa VA died of cancer, surrounded by her loving family, on February 3, 2026. Born April 17,1975, in Summertown, TN to William Newton Hale and Maureen Ann Hale, her family moved to Louisa, Co. a few months later. She grew up in Louisa and attended Louisa, Co. schools.

Grace graduated Phi Beta Kappa in history from the University of Virginia and pursued her passion for Medieval Studies at the University of Toronto, followed by a second masters in library science at the University of Maryland.

Grace joined the staff of the University of Virginia with the Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections at what is now the Shannon Library. She was appointed to her dream job as Teaching and Research Librarian for Special Collections in 2023.

Grace married the love of her life, Stephen Richard Sanderson, on May 4, 2019.

She is survived by her two sisters, Carrie Hale and Leah Hale, her brothers-in-law Barton Carroll and Amaury Rolin, and her adored nephews Donovan Carroll and Aubert Rolin. She is survived by her mother Maureen Hale of Washington, D.C, her father William Hale and stepmother Rhonwen Hale of Louisa.

In addition, she is survived by a large extended family of loving aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Grace was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, friend, and caretaker of animals. She was passionate and kind. Her interest in history was surpassed only by her commitment to helping others in her field. She leaves behind a legacy of love and strength that lives on in all of us.

A celebration of life will be held later this spring. 

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