Obituary: Grace Julia Payter

As received from the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel:

Grace Julia (Redai) Payter, of Nisula, Michigan, passed away peacefully on March 22, 2020 after 93 wonderful years of life. She was born Gizella Julia Redai on February 8, 1927, the youngest daughter of Hungarian immigrants Mihaly (Michael) and Anna (Toth) Redai. Grace was blessed with four older sisters to help guide her on her path through life: Elizabeth, Mary, Anna and Irene.

Grace later became the beloved and devoted wife of the late William (Bill) Payter in 1948 and was committed to maintaining their successful 63-year marriage. Grace was the foundation and support of her husband Bill’s successful local custom-building company, working tirelessly next to him for over 25 years. Even though Bill was a builder who owned a successful local custom-building business, Grace was the foundation who worked hard as his bookkeeper and secretary. Always with her hands full, she simultaneously raised their three children: Karen Marie Wasztyl-Bradley, William Patrick and Michael Adoulph. The family resided in Allen Park, MI until Grace and Bill retired and moved to Nisula in 1975.

Grace was the anchor of her family from the very start, and selflessly loved and cared for them with every ounce of her being. Anyone that was lucky enough to know her instantly felt her genuine heart — she wore it right on her sleeve and was never hesitant to remind everyone of how much they meant to her. Not only was Grace sweet, but she was strong too. We now laugh at her stubborn sass and remember her tough, can-do attitude.

Grace was a wonderful cook who loved to prepare delicious meals and mouthwatering pastries that were always a delight for her family and friends. She took great pride in sharing her Hungarian heritage through family recipes and loved to teach anyone who asked. Her homemade blueberry and strawberry pies made with her fresh picked berries and delectable homemade crust would be the envy of the most accomplished baker!

Grace also loved to share memories of her childhood of growing up in the Hungarian community of Delray, MI as well as her life’s adventures with Bill and her family. She always welcomed the many visitors who enjoyed the nature, sanctuary and most importantly the company of their home in Nisula, which also proved to be the best hunting ground in the Upper Peninsula for so many that, joined both she and Bill through the hunting seasons. If you asked all who were fortunate to visit, they may be hard pressed to admit whether they really went there for the great hunting or Grace’s hospitality and delicious food and treats!

Grace will be truly missed by her children and eight loving grandchildren: Jamie Wasztyl, Karie Lupo (Scott), Marissa Payter, Kylie Ilieski (Pete), T.J. Bradley, Adam, Heidi and Tanner Payter; as well her four great grandsons: Adrian, Morgan, Ashton and Lincoln. She is also fondly remembered by her many nieces and nephews.

Grace always put her family and friends first, and would wish all to remain safe and healthy during this pandemic. Family and friends will be notified when she will be honored with a mass and a celebration of life to be scheduled at a later date. Grace will ultimately be laid to rest next to her husband in their little hometown in Michigan’s U.P.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in her name to: Holy Cross Hungarian Catholic Church and the Father Solanus Guild.

The Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L’Anse has been entrusted with the local arrangements which will be announced at a later date.