Grace “Dacey” E. Whyte, 83, of Bridgeport, NY, passed away Wednesday, January 25, 2023, after a short stay at Crouse Hospital in Syracuse, NY.
She was born September 25, 1939, in Paterson, NJ, a daughter of the late Norman F. Hall and Edith E. Hunt. On June 19, 1957, Grace graduated from Ramapo Regional High School in Wyckoff, NJ, where she was recognized for her vocal performances. On June 3, 1964, Grace married Charles Whyte in Wyckoff, NJ. In May of 1973, Grace moved with her family to Smyrna, NY where they lived for many years. They had a gentleman’s farm complete with free-range chickens, turkeys, geese, sheep, pigs, cows, and a variety of fruit trees. In 2002, Grace and Charles moved to Malta, NY where they lived until 2004. In 2004, Grace and Charles moved to Chateaugay, NY to reside on son Kenneth’s farm. She loved watching Ken and Lisa’s three daughters grow up and particularly enjoyed attending their musical performances. In 2019, Grace and Charles moved to Bridgeport, NY to be closer to their family.
Grace enjoyed a variety of jobs throughout her life. She worked for the Bell System telephone company after high school. She was a worker at the Smyrna library and a recess monitor at Smyrna School, where she was able to yell at her own kids on the playground. At one time, she took over for her mother as the writer for the Smyrna news section of the Sherburne News newspaper. She worked at Chesebrough- Ponds Inc. and Big M in Sherburne, NY. She greatly enjoyed 20 plus years providing in-home care for several elderly women. Grace also was fond of volunteering at The Patch in Chateaugay, NY.
She is predeceased by her husband, parents, and one sister, Jo-Jo. Surviving are her brothers Norman and Thomas Hall. Her children: Mark Whyte and wife Donna of Ballston Spa, NY; Pam Lasco and Tim of Downingtown, PA; Kenneth Whyte and wife Lisa of Bridgeport, NY; Lee Whyte and wife Bobbi Jo of Munnsville, NY; and Nephew Andrew Whyte of Endicott, NY. Her grandchildren: Cassondra and husband James Rasmussen, Stephanie, Kayley, Carter, Taylor, Nathaniel, TJ, Jordan, and Jake. Grace was very excited to have two great-grandchildren: Claire and Henry. She also has many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Walking into Grace’s home, you could always be welcomed by opera or orchestra music; one of her favorite songs being “Amazing Grace”, of course. She was a long-time member of the Sherburne Community Chorus, belting with the rest of the songbirds. If you couldn’t find Grace, she was outside feeding the birds...or the squirrels...or the raccoons.
Aligning with Grace’s wishes, there will be no services at this time. Burial will occur in the spring at Willcox Cemetery in Earlville, NY. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to North Area Meals on Wheels.