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GRACE ADEE Obituary
Born July 17, 1931, in Sycamore, the daughter of Earle and Pearl (King) Matteson, Grace married John S. (Jack) Adee on Dec. 1, 1951. Grace and Jack made their home just outside of Clare in the former local schoolhouse after Jack returned from the Korean conflict.
A graduate of Sycamore High School in 1949, she was an art student at Northern Illinois University before starting her family. In her late 40's while working as a teacher's aide at Sycamore High School, she returned to NIU, graduating with a bachelor's degree in 1980. She continued on with her education, receiving her master's in 1984 and special education degree in 1989. She went on to teach at Hiawatha, DeKalb and the Harlem school districts before retiring in 1999.
After retirement, Grace was elected Third Ward Alderman for the City of Sycamore and served from 2005 to 2009. Through the years, she was a Girl Scout leader, advocate for Safe Passage, treasurer to the Mayfield Cemetery, tax assessor to the Mayfield and South Grove townships, taught GED courses and participated in various other organizations and activities.
A lover of animals and especially of her horses, she took several trips to the Grand Teton Wilderness where she adventured on horseback. She was a member of Singles in Agriculture, traveling with them at every opportunity. She enjoyed painting, loved music and dancing, tennis, and was a big part of her children and grandchildren's lives.
Survivors include her daughters, Cris (Sam Rucker) Woodin of Kingston and Julie (Arlen) Rautio of Sycamore; son, Joe Adee of Clare; four grandchildren, Derek Rautio (Alana Stover) of Sycamore, Erin (Josh) Mitchell of Waterman, Dylan (Rachel) Rautio of Sycamore and Cody Woodin of DeKalb; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; sister, Alice Murawski of Leucadia, Calif.; sister, Edna Western of Columbia City, Ind.; and two sisters in infancy.
The family especially appreciates the kindness and compassion of the staff at Lincolnshire Memory Care unit, where Grace made her home in her final years.
A celebration of her life will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 1, at Olson Funeral and Cremation Services Ltd., Quiram Sycamore Chapel, 1245 Somonauk St., Sycamore. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 2, at the funeral home, with Pastor Harlene Harden of Sycamore United Methodist Church officiating.
Memorials can be made to Alzheimer's Association in care of Lincolnshire Place, 710 Vellagio Drive, Sycamore, IL 60178.
To share a memory or condolence, visit www.OlsonFH.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
calvin petteway
January 16, 2018
IM doing a essay on her
March 2, 2013
May i express my condolences to the family and friends. I hope that you find true comfort and support among one another while coping with your loss. Proverbs 17:17 says "A true companion is loving all the time, and is a brother that is born for when there is distress.
Lauranna Gones
March 1, 2013
The world will be a little less fun without Grace Adee in it. What a wonderful, happy and compassionate person she was. My condolences to her entire family. She will be missed.
Bill & Mary Jane Adee
March 1, 2013
Grace was the best--a wonderful sister-in-law and great friend. We shared over 50 years of Adee family celebrations, joys, and sorrows. We will truly miss her. Much love to you all, Bill and Mary Jane
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Sue Brammerlo Dirker
March 1, 2013
Cris-
I am so sorry to hear about your Mom...I know what a good daughter you were to her. My heart breaks for you...am praying for you & your family.
Ellen Rogers
March 1, 2013
My sister and I first got to know Grace and her wonderful sense of humor when she worked at Henderson. What a treasure to know her! Our warmest thoughts to you her family that she held so dear.
Earl & Valerie Slayton
March 1, 2013
To Grace's family: You had a wonderful mother, friend, grand mom, aunt in Grace - You are blessed!
Kim Jackson-Green
March 1, 2013
I was lucky enough to be a line dance instructor for Gracie and many other friends. I enjoyed her so much and often think of laughing and dancing with her. Such a wonderful woman. I'm blessed to have known her.
February 28, 2013
Our condolences to the family of Grace Adee. We shared a common interest in the enjoyment of horses and she shared a good time story about her trips out west. She was the best. Roxy and Vern Carey
Pennie Tasche
February 28, 2013
I have had the pleasure of adventuring thru Grace's last years at Lincolnshire Place in Sycamore. Her smile started as a sparkle in her eyes, her lips would glide welcome as her growl of a giggle began "Yes. Well. There you are!" The begining of another adventure! I pray for our peace here on earth as she is at peace wearing the perfect wings for riding her winged horse watching over all she touched. Cris, Julie & Joe your Mother took a piece of my heart. She will always be my presious "Miss Bell"; a great story that will indure time.
Edgar Lieving
February 28, 2013
Sorry to see a good friend and dancer leave us. Our sympathy to the family.
Ronald G. Smith
February 28, 2013
Went on a couple horsepack trips into the Yellowstone and Shoshonee mtns. with her, my mother (Nellie Smith) and my Aunt Jean Cornell. A wonderful women and I am glad I got to know her. Her family is in my prayers.
February 27, 2013
To Grace's Family: Grace was a wonderful person and dear friend of many years. I will miss her smile and winning ways. May she rest in peace. Amen.
Patricia Dembinski-Sycamore, IL
Donna Turner
February 27, 2013
Chris, Julie, and Joe....know that your Mom left a great impression as she taught in Kirkland. She was so passionate about kids.
February 27, 2013
Cris,Julie, Joe,
Our thoughts & prayers go out to you with the loss of your Mom. We have so many fond memories growing up with you in Clare, along with Bill, Fern, & Jack.
Great woman she was always had a smile
and so talented, creative, etc. She will
be missed but now finally at Peace with
all her loved ones.
Your neighbors, The Quinn Family
Shannon Lee
February 27, 2013
So sorry to hear about Mrs. Adee's passing. She was a very special lady. I knew her and was close to her as a little one at Hiawatha. Rest peacefully Mrs. Adee....
Tammy Wynn-Hyde
February 27, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with Grace"s family and friends. I remember her growing up in Clare, Illinois.
Debbie Waugh
February 27, 2013
So sorry to hear about Grace passing. She touched many peoples' lives. Your famiy is in our prayers. From the staff at Dr. Michalsens' office.
Sue (Bussone) Ohde
February 27, 2013
Julie, your mom is now free of her confused state and living large in Heaven with your dad and family who went before her. May the years of happy memories sustain you through this difficult time.
Kathie Christensen
February 27, 2013
Grace will brighten heaven! I knew her as I was growing up, she made me and everyone who came in contact with her feel special. She will be missed.
Marion Lowe Breen
February 27, 2013
So sorry to hear about your mom. I remember her from Girl Scout Daycamp at Sportsman's Park. Fun, creative lady with a quick wit. Thinking of you all.
Ken Kamm
February 27, 2013
Express Most Sincere Sympathy!
Linda Lind
February 27, 2013
My sincere sympathy to your family. She was a great woman and will never be forgotten. I know she has found piece as she put her boots on for one last mount.
Melodie Littlejohn-Clark
February 27, 2013
My thoughts and prayers to Grace's family. I had the joy of working with Grace at Kirkland Grade School. She was such a joy and she became someone that I looked up too. We also shared a love of horses which always gave us something to talk about. She could brighten a room just by walking in and I'm sure that is just what she has done in Heaven. RIP Grace, you will be missed.
Janet Waters
February 26, 2013
Grace was one great lady, i will miss her dearly.
Jan Loomer
February 26, 2013
So sorry to hear of you Mom's death, Cris. You are all in my thoughts & prayers. Jan Loomer
Alan Bauer
February 26, 2013
Joe & Julie, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. While on the City council together, your mom showed me her delightful personality and sense of humor. We will all miss her so much. God bless.
Sue Davis
February 26, 2013
My condolences to the family. I was so very saddened to hear of Grace's passing. I met Grace about 20 yrs ago at line dancing classes. She was a wonderful woman. Fun to be around. Love & will miss her dearly.
February 26, 2013
Julie, I am so sorry to read about your mom. May you find God's peace. She was a Terific gal.
Dale Willis
February 26, 2013
Julie & Family: My thoughts and prayers are w/you and your family during this difficult time.
Cindy Cornell
February 26, 2013
Grace was my GED teacher in 1993 and she was the best! It was due to her teaching skills and confidence in me that I graduated. Rip Grace and prayers to the family.
Catherine Stoddard
February 26, 2013
I personally never met Mrs. Adee or Mr. Adee, but I always felt as if I knew them since they were my grandparent's neighbors for longer than my 46 years. My thoughts, heart, and prayers are with the Adee family.
Katie Stoddard
(Ed and Dorothy Weaver's granddaughter)
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1245 Somonauk Street, Sycamore, IL 60178
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