Grayce Joan Tyszko

Grayce Joan (Puttkover) Tyszko, just shy of 92, from Lake Zurich, Illinois entered her eternal rest on Friday, August 21, 2026. A faithful servant, loving matriarch, social advocate, and friend to all, Grayce lived life to its fullest, stating there was still so much she wanted to do at the age of 91. She was said to have rose-colored glasses, always seeing the best in everyone and the world. Her positive outlook was matched by her quick and often subtle wit.

Grayce was born on August 23, 1934 to Frank and Dorothy (Rupp) Puttkover. She lived on the northwest side of Chicago in the house her grandfather Rupp built. It was a happy time of reading books, finding treasures in the attic, and playing hide and seek in the basement with her sister and lifelong best friend Marj. After school every day, she came home to the smell of baked goods wafting from the window, encouraging her to climb the three flights of stairs home.

She attended Steinmetz High School in Chicago where, on her first day, she met a new friend named Joan. Together they formed a “club” of girlfriends and called themselves Beta Fideles - friends forever. Lifelong friendships were born. They celebrated marriages and births and supported each other during challenging times for over 70 years.

Also during high school, she met a “special friend” at Junior Achievement, and an incredible love story began. On June 27, 1953 she married the “skinny kid who wanted to be an accountant”, Walter William Tyszko. She gave up an academic scholarship at Northern Illinois State Teachers College to support Walt while he attended Northwestern University. Caring for sick parents, Walt’s naval service, five children, job changes and many moves (they lived in 19 homes!) never changed the adoring way they looked at each other. They were married almost 70 years before Walt passed away.

Grayce was blessed with many special trips, but Hawaii was her happy place. She and Walt, along with Marj and her husband Cliff (also Walt’s high school best friend) had many adventures on the islands of Hawaii, with Grayce sipping her favorite drink, the ChiChi. Tuscany also held a special place in her heart.

Retirement in Fairfield Glade, Tennessee brought Grayce much joy. She loved their beautiful home, sitting on the back deck, spending time with Marj and Cliff, and attending bridge tournaments. Along with Walt, Grayce became a Life Master in Bridge. Playing cards became a cherished family tradition, bringing everyone together for laughter and connection and creating countless special moments.

Grayce was an avid reader (mysteries mostly) and member of two book clubs into her 90s. When her children were young, she read the end of the book first in case she didn’t have time to finish! She was also a prolific writer. While she never published her children’s book, she wrote numerous memoirs, from “A Peek Into Our Childhoods” to “Ponderings During the Pandemic”. In sharing her life story, she left her children a priceless gift.

Grayce exhibited the same unconditional love for strangers as she did for family and friends. People often stopped her in the streets and shared their life stories or current problems with her. She had an open, accepting way that made others feel safe, heard and cared for.

She spent most of her life in service to others having founded the PADS program at her church, served on the board of Lutheran Social Services of IL for nine years, provided care as a Stephen’s Minister and Leader for more than 30 years, was a Hospice volunteer, taught Sunday School, led Bible Studies, participated in prison ministry, was a member of countless church committees and boards, and was the first woman President of Prince of Peace Church in Schaumburg. She had a servant’s heart and always felt the presence of God in her life. She found joy in service to others.

In her final days, Grayce said her greatest joy and accomplishment was her family, and what an abundant joy it was! She is survived by five children: Susan Kathleen Bosco, John Walter (Renee) Tyszko, Jennifer Lynn (Joseph) Prescia, Kirsten Elizabeth (Michael) Mullany, Marjorie Ann (Rev. Christopher) Hall; 21 grandchildren: Melinda (Scott) Bradley, Courtney (Joe) Scott, Kristen (Tim) Whiteford, Abigail Bosco, Michelle Bosco, Curt (Sarah) Tyszko, Kristine (Noah) Joseph, Courtney Berg, Shawna (Joseph) Batista, Kelly Berg, Nicole (John) Pittenger, Anthony (Stephanie) Prescia, Stephanie (Matt) Harnew, Cassandra Mullany (Andersen Shen), Kellie Mullany, Hannah Mullany, Erin Mullany, Mikayla Hall, Olivia Hall, Eliana Hall, Jack Hall and 29 great grandchildren: Phoebe and Milo Bradley; Joshua Scott; Harlan and Rosalie Whiteford; Mia Albach; Cade, Chase and Colt Tyszko; Carly and Isaac Joseph; Grace, Kate, Maggie Jo and Joanna Batista; Michael, Molly and Megan Pittenger; Gracie Weston, Kaelyn and Kenna Minich; Cali, Harper, and Emery Prescia; Jacob, Alyson, Morgan, and Ryan Harnew.

She will join in heaven the love of her life Walt; parents, Frank and Dorothy; beloved Grandmother Frances; sister Marj; brother-in-law Cliff; sister-in-law Joyce; Uncle Wally; nephew, Cliff Curt; and grandsons Connor and John Jr.

A remembrance will be held at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Libertyville on Sunday, August 30, 2026. Visitation open house from 11:30am-1:00pm followed by a church service at 1:00pm. The family invites you to a celebration of life luncheon at Hawthorn Woods Country Club in Hawthorn Woods immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that remembrances be made in the form of contribution to Lutheran Social Services of IL as a reflection of her faith; or Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in honor of her love of reading and support of families in need.