Grace Elizabeth Mackey

Grace Elizabeth Mackey passed away on Monday, May 30, 2011, surrounded by her family. She was born on July 10, 1912, at her Raymond Homestead on 7 Mile Road, daughter of the late David and Lucy (nee: Drought) Kotvis. On October 11, 1933, she was united in marriage to Arthur Mackey in Milwaukee. The couple relocated to the Racine area in 1942. Arthur preceded her in death on December 2, 1977.

Grace was employed by the Telephone Company until the installation of the dial tone system. She was then employed by Mr. and Mrs. William Allan, the original owners of Thrifty Sandy’s Inc., for 33 years until her retirement in 1982.

Grace’s many talents include entertaining, crocheting, home decorating, writing poetry and cake decorating. She was an expert seamstress including designing and creating the wedding dress that each of her daughters wore. For each wedding, the dress was altered into a different style. The feasts she prepared are legendary and her home would be overflowing with family, relatives and friends. Grace was a member of the United Church of Christ in Raymond. She enjoyed camping, traveling, and gardening, but most of all she loved spending time with her family.

Grace was an amazing person. She was an extraordinary mom, grandma, great-grandma and friend. She will be deeply missed by her three daughters, Beverly (Walter) Zurawski, Jacque (David) Olson and Karyne (Jay) Frank; nine grandchildren, Gregg Zurawski (fiancé Kenya Beneitz), Lane Zurawski, Jody (Cary) O’Brien, Rondi (Gregg) Olson, Shelli (Ron) Farnsworth, Tamryn (Keith) Anderson, Todd (Heidi) Olson, Tia (Steve) Kon, and Kelley (Penny) Frank; 17 great-grandchildren, Emily and Nicholas Smith- Zurawski, Kaitlin Csonka, Megan and Allison Zurawski, April Venne, Lane Olson, Miles, Tyler, and Joshua Farnsworth, Brett Anderson, Jennifer Swinehart, Ryan and Cali Olson, Sophie and David Kon, and Stephanie Grissom; great-great grandchildren, Kai Olson-Mowad and Lilanna Von Asten; special extended family, Ron and Dee Nelson, Kami, Ron and Tony Ingle, and Marla Smith.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Arthur Mackey; daughter, Barbara Mackey; grandson, Kevin Frank; brother, Ralph Kotvis; and sister, Lucille Boettcher.

Funeral services in honor of Grace will be held at Wilson Funeral Home on Monday, June 6, 2011, at 10 a.m. with Rev. Manda Stack officiating. Interment will be at West Lawn Memorial Park. Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at the funeral home on Sunday, June 5, 2011, from 5-8 p.m. and on Monday from 9 a.m. until the time of service.

The family wishes to express their sincere thanks for the wonderful, loving care our mom received at Lincoln Village.

Wilson Funeral Home
1212 Lathrop Ave., Racine 262-634-3361