Grace Shaw Izatt Dutchak

It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that the family announces the passing of Grace Shaw Izatt Dutchak (nee Boyce). Grace passed away on December 12, 2020 at the age of 85 in Roseview Manor due to Covid 19.

Grace was born on February 11, 1935 in Fort William to William and Isabella Boyce. The family home was on Sills Street, where she grew up with big brother, Alec. She attended Drew Street School and Fort William Vocational School. Grace would reminisce about the hours and days that she spent at Dease Street Pool as a little girl. Her fascination of trains and ships came from her father. She told many stories about when she was young and the trains went rumbling by or stopping at the end of the street, where she would run down to see the people getting off or why it stopped. As a young girl, Grace learned to play piano and violin and would become an advanced Pianist.

As she entered the work force, Grace worked at various banks and Abitibi Forest Products on Mission Island where she met the love of her life William “Bill” Dutchak . At first sight she knew this was the one, and told the other girls in the office, hands off, he’s mine. Grace and Bill later married on June 10, 1960 and moved to Port Arthur to start a family; 2020 marked 60 years of marriage for them. Her pride and joy were her 2 sons David and Doug. As a family, they had many enjoyable memories spending countless summers camping and fishing at Burchell, Wolf, Black Sturgeon and Kab Lake. She would lay on the beach and read her books, while the boys were out fishing. During the winters, she loved spending time at their camp on Cedar Bay, where she enjoyed skiing, skating, socializing with the neighbours or enjoying the peaceful scenery. While raising her family she worked at Ram Realty and then Ontario Hydro where she retired July of 1993 after 12 years of employment.

Mom was excited to become a grandmother to all 4 of her grandchildren, Patrick, Darren, Andrew and Becky. She spent countless hours at their hockey, soccer, baseball games, swimming lessons and dance recitals, encouraging and cheering them on, even teaching some the piano. She was so proud of them and all of her piano students. Grace’s daughters- in- law, Deneen and Lori, adored her and were the daughters she never had. Her home was a welcoming place where family and friends would meet to share stories with many laughs or have a sing along with Grace playing the piano. Mom enjoyed swimming her laps at Volunteer Pool and going to yard sales and antique stores. There is, literally, nowhere in the house that she hasn’t decorated with her precious finds. Grace loved her cross-border shopping and casino outings with Bill as well as going to the local casino.

Mom was adored by everyone who knew her. She always had a smile on her face and would make conversation with anyone she met. Neighbours and people walking by their residence would see her out in the yard gardening, doing yard work, feeding the birds, or hanging out with her husband and family pet. You could not walk by without her saying hello.

Grace’s dementia had progressed; right before contracting covid, during a visit she sat at the piano and played her favorite song “In The Garden” by memory. Dave and Deneen caught it on video and now it is a cherished memory for the whole family.

Grace will be lovingly missed and remembered by her husband, William Dutchak, sons David (Deneen) Dutchak, Doug (Lori) Dutchak and grandchildren Andrew and Becky Dutchak. We would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to Deanna, Attilio and Toni for being such great friends to our parents and helping mom and dad out any way they could.
Grace was predeceased by her grandchildren Patrick and Darren Dutchak, parents William and Isabella Boyce, brother Alec Boyce.

Due to Covid restrictions a celebration of life will take place at a later date. If so desired donations may be made in Grace’s memory to the Alzheimer Society of Thunder Bay.

Amazing Grace Amazing Love.