Obituary of Grace McCutchan Wright

Grace McCutchan Wright passed away on Tuesday, November 4, 2014 at the age of 101. Her long and wonderful journey began on October 20, 1913 on a homestead in Utah. Her parents, Joseph and Maud McCutchan, paid the doctor who delivered her with a red calf. Those humble beginnings and a mane of fiery red hair helped to give Grace a steely resolve that no one who knew her will ever forget. Anyone who suggested that she vote Republican or that she dyed her hair learned just how strong that resolve could be. After leaving Utah, the family lived in Los Angeles for a short period before settling in Soquel. Grace attended Mountain School, Soquel Elementary, and graduated from Santa Cruz High. Both she and her sister, Bernice, attended Pajaro Beauty College and became licensed cosmetologists. She met Dan Wright at a dance in Soquel and they married on November 1, 1935. She lived in San Francisco while Dan was stationed in New Guinea during World War II. With the help of the G.I. Bill, they were able to buy a home in the Seabright area and welcomed their son, Gerald, in 1943 and their daughter, Donna, in 1947. Grace was very active in the PTAs at Gault, Branciforte Junior High and Santa Cruz High Schools. She also was a den mother and girl scout leader. Following retirement, Dan and Grace enjoyed bridge, golf, and traveling. They loved to dote on their three grandsons. Later in her life, Grace became active in Grey Bears and also worked at the Santa Cruz High Alumni Office for over 20 years. She found peace in nature and expressed it by tending to one of the most beautiful gardens in Santa Cruz. She also became a loyal San Francisco Giant's fan and was thrilled by their recent success. Grace is survived by her children Gerald Wright and Donna Badawi (Sam) and her three grandsons Adam Badawi (Jooyeon), Rick Badawi and Ramsey Badawi. Grace was preceded in death by her husband, Daniel Wright, her sister, Bernice Gray, and her parents Joseph and Maud. Her family sends a special thank you to the wonderful caregivers at Maple House II and Hospice of Santa Cruz County for their loving end-oflife care. Those who wish to remember Grace may donate in her memory to Grey Bears of Santa Cruz County, Project Purr, the Santa Cruz High School Alumni Scholarship fund, or to a favorite charity.