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Grace M. Tomac, age 101 of Lemmon, passed away on Sunday evening, January 3, 2021 at her daughter's home in Litchfield, MN.

Grace Mary O'Donnell was born August 13, 1919 in Britton, SD.  She was the third of eight children born to Leo B. and Julia Ann (Clark) O'Donnell.  She was raised on a farm/ranch south of Morristown, SD, and attended a one room school house a few miles from the farm.  She had many stories about horse and buggy travel and life in those early years.  She graduated from Morristown High School in 1938.  After she graduated from Notre Dame Junior College in Mitchell, SD, Grace taught elementary grades in the Athena Schoolhouse until she was married.

Grace married Tom Tomac on August 6, 1941 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, and settled on the Chapman place 18 miles south of Morristown.  They raised sheep and Angus cattle, as well as six children.  They were a vital part of the local community and Grace enjoyed sharing her time and talents with others.   As well as cooking for family and harvest crews, cleaning and childcare, Grace had several acres of garden and spent time at the sheep camp.   She and Tom enjoyed going to dances and hosting card parties.  The family was close, busy, and gregarious, and there are endless stories of the good times they had living, laughing and working together.  Grace and Tom lived on the farm until 1979, when they retired and moved to Lemmon, SD.

While in Lemmon, Tom and Grace's place was the center of the family for every holiday and celebration.  Family and visitors could depend on Grace's homemade treats as well as a coffee pot that was always on.  They still enjoyed dancing, and traveled to dances in several states.  In his later years, Grace cared for Tom through several strokes until his death in 1993.  She continued to live in Lemmon until her own health caused her to start spending winters with her daughter Marilyn (Suzie) in Litchfield, MN, and eventually live permanently with Suzie at the age of 95 in 2015.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Tom on October 31, 1993; sons, Ron and Jerry Tomac, son-in-laws Marvin Hayes, Bill Miller and Dale Jung ; a grandson, Allen Tomac; 5 brothers, James, Leo (Hans), Robert, Louis (Bud), Lloyd (Boots), and a sister, Kathryn Damberger.

Surviving family members include her 3 daughters, Marilyn (Suzie) Hayes, Litchfield, MN; Bonnie Miller, Tyler, MN; Elizabeth (Betty) Jung, Fargo, ND; 1 son and 2 daughters-in-law, Lee and Dorothy Tomac, Keldron, SD; and Raeanda Tomac, Keldron, SD; a sister, Leola (Toots) Buche, St. Paul, MN; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Grace was a loving grandmother to 16 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and one great grandson. They share happy memories of Grandma leading a pile of kids in frying donuts, dancing in the kitchen to the radio and her funny quips.  She enjoyed crochet and there was always a coverlet for anyone laying down.  She loved crossword puzzles and reading, and would always turn on the light and remind grandchildren not to read in the dark.  She was a lifelong Catholic and attended mass in person until her health made travel difficult.  Her commitment to her faith encouraged the same in her family.

Grandma used to say "can't never did anything."  Her determination and hard work helped grow a loving, close-knit family around her, with faith to relish the good and get them through the bad times.    Another universally true (but slightly less popular) gem she leaves us with is "how can you be bored, there's cleaning to do?" Those of us left behind are grateful to Grace for sharing her spirit with us and joyfully commend her to her next adventure.

A viewing/visitation will be held on Friday, January 8 from 1:00 to 7:00pm MT at the Evanson-Jensen Funeral Home in Lemmon.  A Rosary will be held Saturday, January 9 at 11:00am, with mass to follow at 11:30 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Lemmon, SD.  Fr. Dan Juelfs will officiate and interment will be held in the Morristown Cemetery.

The Services will be livestreamed for the public to view and can be found on Grace's obituary on the funeral home website www.evansonjensenfuneralhome.com

Serving as casketbearers are her grandchildren, Moncia Stambach, Jeff Tomac, Deanna Tomac, Valerie Tomac, Jessica Hart, Jerad Tomac, Alycia Enberg, Marty Miller, Pam Illg, Justin Miller, Allison Jung, Leanne Jung, Greg Tomac, Ronette Lutz, Nikki Lensegrav.

Cards can be sent to Marilyn Hayes, 57426 225 ^th St, Litchfield, MN  55355.