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Obituary of Grace Jean Sayan
Grace Jean Sayan passed away peacefully with family by her side, in Tucson Arizona on Saturday, June 10th, 2023 after a long struggle with Parkinson's Disease.
Grace was born in 1950 in Phoenix Arizona, to WWII veterans and parents of the Greatest Generation, Russel Sayan (1917-1989) and Gloria Magram (1922-1992). As a young woman growing up in Arizona, she enjoyed water skiing, swimming, and fashion. In her junior year of High school she moved from Phoenix AZ to Tucson AZ where she attended and graduated from Palo Verde High School in 1968. In her senior year of high school she was a proud employee and fashion model for Seinfeld's Department Store.
Following high school and in her early adult years, she went on to study English literature and Animal Science at the University of Arizona, and worked at the historic Valley National Bank, in downtown Tucson.
In 1972 Grace met Darell Goode and moved with him to Mancos Colorado. Here in Colorado, her daughter Shelly Goode-Burgoyne was born in 1973. Grace would remain close to and visit the Goode family even after her and Darell’s marriage ended .
In 1982 she married Tucsonan Patrick Kusian, whom she shared 14 years of marriage with. With Shelly, Patrick, his family and their friends,she enjoyed traveling, caring for their home, going out to dinner, charity work, and spending time with friends. She found much pleasure in art, travel, gardening, music, and theater. During this time she worked for IBM as a project manager.
In 2003 she married Doug Chapman, a mining engineer from Canada. They lived in Tucson, Indonesia - Papua New Guinea, and Chile. Together they would travel all over Asia and South America. During this time Grace wrote several children's books, and would continue to paint beautiful oil and watercolor paintings. Grace and Doug were married for 13 years.
Grace stood faithfully by her daughter Shelly Goode-Burgoyne and son-in-law Michael Burgoyne (former U.S. Army officers), as they were deployed to combat operations during the Iraq War, and throughout their military careers.
Grace lived life to the fullest, had many friends, and truly embraced new experiences, fun and love. The incredible and brave adventures she embarked upon took her all over the world and included countless friends and loved ones.
In October 2003 Grace began experiencing Parkinson's-like symptoms. She was eventually diagnosed in Tucson Arizona with Parkinson’s Disease. Her disease progressed over the following 20 years. Her worsening symptoms resulted in the loss of her mobility, independence, and tragically her voice.
Doug Chapman and his family remained invaluable in their financial support of Grace’s medical care. We thank them and love them immensely for this gift.
Grace is survived by her daughter Shelly Goode-Burgoyne, her son-in-law, Colonel Retired Michael Burgoyne, her grandchildren Ulysses Meritt Burgoyne, Odessa Liberty Burgoyne, her sister, Marcia Crosdale, her niece and nephews Alexandria Anaya, William Crosdale, and Christopher Bonhorst, and her dear friends, which numbers we cannot count.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Michael J. Fox Foundation - you can use this link: Donate to Michael J. Fox Foundation
