Grayce Inez Domanski

Grayce Inez Domanski, 85, passed away peacefully in Sandpoint, Idaho on Wednesday, June 29, 2011. Grayce was born on April 19, 1926 to August and Inez Johnson in Cleveland, Ohio. Along with her older sister Ruth and her younger brother John, she grew up in Sheffield Lake and Lorain, Ohio. She graduated from Lorain High School and temporarily went to Boston to attend college. She returned to Ohio and began work at the Bell Telephone Co. in Cleveland, where she made several life-long friends. In 1948 Grayce's adventurous spirit led her to travel to southern California. While visiting friends there she met Sande Katana, fell in love and decided to stay out west. After settling in, she went to work for the Carnation Company. Grayce and Sande were married on Feb. 12, 1949. The couple began their family in 1953 and had four children: Cassadie Anne, Eric Lamont, Lance Aurel and Jon Joseph. They lived in Arleta and then Panorama City, Ca. Sadly the marriage ended after 19 years. Grayce worked a variety of interesting jobs throughout the late 60's and early 70's. For fun she would go dancing with friends. At one of these dances she met Lou Domanski, a Polish Air Force Veteran. They dated and were married on Dec. 30, 1971, adding 3 step-children to her family: Michelle, Patricia and Richard. She and Lou had many shared interests. They enjoyed traveling, touring Europe in their camper van, flying in Lou's glider (sailplane), going to the beach and the desert, ballroom dancing and being with family. They especially loved the Olympic Games, attending many of the events or religiously watching them on TV. Grayce began her career as a banker in 1972 with United California Bank (and later with First Interstate Bank). She enjoyed this line of work for 15 years, first as a teller and then as a loan officer. On retiring in 1988, they decided to move to Sandpoint, Id. to be closer to Grayce's kids and grand-kids. They built their dream home, a duplex at the south end of town, with the help of their sons. This home became a gathering place for holidays, birthdays and many celebrations. Grayce loved reading, sewing, bird-watching, painting, drawing with her pastels, watching her "soaps" and cooking. She enjoyed all types of music, but especially like the Big-Bands, songs from her youth, show-tunes and Michael Jackson. Grayce had some very strong political opinions and was not afraid to speak her mind. She would get in a discussion of world affairs or current events with anyone who would dare. She also had a delightful sense of humor and always loved a good laugh! She was a very loving, involved and supportive Grandmother - attending sporting events, dance and concert recitals, plays, birthdays and graduations of her grandchildren. She was also a cat-lover. One special cat (Miss America) appeared on her doorstep in 1976 and remained with her for over 20 years. Unfortunately, Grayce suffered a severe stroke in 2006 which required her to have full-time nursing care. She resided at Life Care in Sandpoint for nearly 5 years - where she received such loving care and kindness. They will always remember her as the spunky lady with the colorful hats, and scarves, the bright blue eyes and the brilliant smile. She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Lou Domanski, daughter Cassadie (Dave) Spinney, son Rick Katana, son Lance( Laurie) Katana, step-daughter Michelle (Bernie)Barrett, step-daughter Patricia (Mike) McCollum, step-son Rick (Lom) Domanski, and brother John (Dodi) Johnson. Grayce was blessed with 12 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren: Ben, Becky, Justin, Vienna, Gabriella, Sande, Samantha, Marissa, Carrie Lynn, Melissa, Rachel, Tyler, Bella, Jackie, Emma, Brandon, Paxton and Noah. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Ruth and her youngest son Jon. Grayce was an amazing woman. She will truly be missed by all who knew and loved her. A memorial service and celebration of Grayce's life will be held later this summer.