Gracelee Blazaitis

Gracelee Anne (Williamson) Blazaitis went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, December 28, 2021. She died at her home as she had always wished. She was born to Benjamin and Estella (Ricketts) Williamson, in Weston, Illinois, on January 4, 1928.

She and her sister, Marjorie Alice (Williamson) Riffey were raised first in Chatsworth - in the "Big" house about which she always shared fond memories. They and their mother then moved to Fairbury, after the passing of their father in 1943. Gracelee was Homecoming Queen of Fairbury High School. She loved big band music and dancing. Many of the "boys" in her high school went straight from the 1945 graduation ceremony to the train station to serve in World War II.

After graduation, she and a girlfriend headed to Chicago to work in the War Bond operation in the Merchandise Mart. A couple of years in the "Big City" was enough for them and they returned to Fairbury. She worked for a couple years as a secretary at State Farm in Bloomington. Then, at the behest of a dear friend, she came to Danville for a blind date with Alexander William Blazaitis, Jr. of Westville.

She and Alex married October 20, 1951. They enjoyed 37 years together. He preceded her in death on March 8, 1989. They enjoyed fishing, traveling, their church, but mostly their parents and other family. The home they (truly) built together was eventually blessed with two adopted sons, Stephen Lynn (Linda), of Westville, and Todd William (Teresa) Blazaitis of Mahomet. They were further blessed with grandchildren, Nicole Dean (Chad) McMahan of Covington, IN, and Adam Todd (Beth) Blazaitis, of Danville; and great-grandchildren, Carli and Alex McMahan, and Robert and Isabell Blazaitis. They also welcomed Mark Joseph Richardson, Jr. and his 3 daughters, Paisley, Evie and Lola to their loving family.

Grace was a full-time working Mother. She worked for Webster-Heskett, Transcontinental Insurance (twice), Sears and retired as a relief administrator for Georgetown Township.

Over her life, she enjoyed her membership and many leadership positions in the PTA, Womens Club, Library Board, serving church as Sunday School Superintendent, Chair of the Chili Supper and Rummage Committees, and the Pastoral Relations Committee.

Gracie was preceded in death by her husband, parents; stepfather, John Ziller; in-laws, sister; and nephew, Larry Dean (Carol) Riffey; and too many good friends. But she can now greet them again.

Services are Wednesday, January 5, 2022. Visitation starting at 11am to 1pm, funeral service starting at 1pm all held at Trinity United Church of Christ, 311 Moses Ave Westville, IL 61883. The Rev. David Roberts-Moser will preside. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Park in Danville. Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville, Illinois, 3940 N Vermilion St. Danville, Illinois 61834 has been entrusted with arrangements. We request your respect of COVID-19 precautions. Masks required and social distancing observed.

Please join Gracelees family in sharing memories, photos, and videos on her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.

Services Visitation Wednesday January 5, 2022 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM Trinity United Church of Christ 311 Moses Ave Westville, , IL 61883 Funeral Service Wednesday January 5, 2022 1:00 PM Trinity United Church of Christ 311 Moses Ave Westville, , IL 61883