Grace Ann (Searight) Hitchcock

Grace Ann (Searight) Hitchcock, age 86, passed away at home on Monday September 28, 2020.  She was born February 1, 1934 in Winona, MN to David and Mary (Wojciechowski) Searight. Growing up along the banks of the Mississippi river, Grace spent her early years surrounded by the natural beauty of the bluffs and her loving relatives who openly embraced their Polish roots with wit and humor. Everyday life was a challenge during the great depression but her ability to face adversity with a smart sense of humor and a laugh was a welcome approach, which soon became a strong character trait throughout her whole life.

Before Grace reached double digits, her father’s occupation as a railroad man would transfer the family to Madison, WI, trading a life along the river for one on an isthmus amongst the lakes. During the second world war her parents worked long hours, which left Grace in charge of her younger brother. They developed an inseparable bond and Grace became a fierce protector of David Jr. especially in the neighborhood and downtown. Her love of music led to accordion lessons at Patti music on State Street. She enjoyed playing marches by various composers and more challenging concertos by Tchaikovsky. After overcoming a serious bout with scarlet fever, Grace took up ice skating and roller skating to help regain her strength. It was instantly pure joy [and developed into a passion that would be shared with her children and grandchildren.

After graduating from Madison East High School, Grace worked at a local bakery (often playing baseball with the day old bread), became a typist at Rural Mutual Insurance, roller skated and spent time with friends. Through one of her friends she agreed to be set up on a blind date. After one date their course was set for a life of adventures and shared experiences over the next 67 years of marriage with Jack, the tall fella from Michigan. They had three children together and enjoyed all the ups and downs of raising a family in the 1950’s through the early 70’s. Countless stories are still told about the hilarious adventures of their family.

Grace and Jack eventually worked for the same hospital in Madison, WI--St. Mary’s. She was an integral part of the Medical Records department with her knowledge of their record keeping system and her renowned speed as a typist. All the doctors knew Grace and could count on her to pull charts, type up patient records accurately, borrow a pen or even have a stick of Big Red gum tossed at them with a smart remark and a mutual laugh to keep them on their toes. They knew it was her way of showing them they were alright in her book. Years of working in the department built up strong relationships and know-how which made her an asset to the hospital.

Her decision to retire was not an easy one, but allowed her to spend more time on projects at home, teaching her grandkids about plants, gardening, and furniture restoration (always use a coaster on finished wood!). Towards the end of a typical week she would kick start her bright red 50cc Suzuki moped and speed off to the juiciest neighborhood garage sales listed in that week’s paper often finding overlooked treasures to bring home. When she wasn’t zipping around on two wheels she was often awake before first light with a cup of coffee and her latest fiber arts project. Grace was an accomplished cross stitch master with her precision and patience often resulting in photo-like results. She was an avid crocheter, quilt maker, seamstress and even made custom pajamas one year for all the grandkids for Christmas.

Summer projects around the house and garden were offset by A&W root beer runs in their Model A Ford, frequent visits with local family, far off trips to Alaska and the Bahamas, a tour of Europe, and their annual snowbird escape to Florida. Wherever the wind took them there were new people to meet, family to reunite with, flea markets to explore, and through it all Grace put her own spin on life with a smile and a laugh beaming through the depths of kindness in her marina blue eyes.

She is survived by her husband Jack; daughter Sharon (Thomas) Fontana; Grandchildren John Fontana, Bryan and Jason (Amy) Hitchcock, Ann (Sungjin) Park; and great-grandchildren Wyatt, Arianna, Alexia, and Eli; as well as many close extended family.

She is preceded in death by her parents; brother; and two beloved children.

Please share your memories of Grace by posting on her Tribute Wall.

Cress Funeral Service

201 Bue Street, Deerfield

(608) 764-5369