Isobel 'Izzy' Grace, 97

Isobel “Izzy” Grace, age 97, of Coeur d’Alene, left her earthly home for her heavenly home on Aug. 21, 2020. She is gone, only from our sight, to a place she prepared for her entire life.

Izzy was born Aug. 9, 1923, in Cataldo, Idaho. She married a sailor, Douglas Stewart Grace, in 1943, and began the life of a Navy wife, giving birth to children in Kellogg, Idaho, Bremerton, Wash., San Diego and Boston. She was always proud of her opportunity to be one of the original “Rosie the Riveters” in the shipyards of Bremerton.

She will mostly be remembered for her life of service to others, a completely selfless, other centered, woman.

Izzy was both mom and dad to her four children. She was a loving nursemaid to her husband through many years of a terminal illness until he died on her birthday in 1970. She was a “Mom” to many service members during her years at Harbor Home Christian Servicemen’s Center in Chula Vista. She was not only mom to the servicemen but also many “strays” who frequented her home. There was always one more place at the table or one more sleeping space if someone needed it.

Izzy’s quality of life could never be measured monetarily. Everything she ever had, she gave away. What she valued most were relationships.

In 1973 she married Bill Sawday, whom she also cared for through his terminal illness in the later years of their marriage.

Izzy is survived by her four children, Nancy (Tom) Culbert of Fortuna, Calif., Doug (Karen) Grace of Hayden, Sandra (Dave) Dorosh of Hayden and Jim (Deanna) Grace of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif; 10 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and five great-great grandchildren.

She finally made her way home and heaven welcomed a beautiful lady.

Yates Funeral Home is in care of her final arrangements and you may visit her online memorial and sign her guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com