Deanna Lydia Grayton

Deanna Lydia Grayton, age 71, passed away peacefully at her home in Danvers, MA on July 30, 2025, with her loving family and two special dogs, Kip and Moe, close at hand.

Dee was born on November 6, 1953 to Matthew and Nina (Mitulinsky) Grayton. Dee was born breech which set a precedent for the rest of Dee’s life, that being if there was an easy way or a difficult way to do something, Dee would always choose the challenge!

Dee was a graduate of Danvers High School (Class of 1971), and Bates College, Lewiston, ME (Class of 1975) where she recently attended her 50th reunion and learned to her delight that she was a ‘Legend’! Dee also received her MBA from Simmons College, Boston, MA, Graduate School of Management. Dee began her professional career as a Nuclear Medical Technologist, had a few detours in between and retired from Nuclear Medicine in the spring of 2024.

Dee was the essence of a Renaissance Woman. She was a gifted student, a multisport athlete, a bird and animal lover, musical, artistic and creative. She could bake a killer cheesecake, sew an incredible Halloween costume for her beloved daughter and rebuild a rotting deck. Most importantly, she was kind, unassuming, generous, helpful, a little goofy, and a wonderful friend, partner and Momdee.

Dee is survived by her wife, Paula Heinz and their daughter, Katya Grayton-Heinz, siblings Lisa (Chip) Cohan of Tiburon, CA, and Philip (Elena) Grayton of Sarasota, FL. Nephews Christopher (Andrea), Patrick (Kesia), Sean (Molly) Cohan and Matthew Grayton. Nieces Christine (Andy), and Vlada (Elizabeth) Grayton. Grandnephews Storm Cohan and eagerly awaiting the birth of Cypress Cohan. She was predeceased by her parents, sister-in-law Lillian Grayton, niece Katherine Cohan and beloved aunt and uncle Donald and Lydia Mentus.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, August 5th at 11AM in Walnut Grove Cemetery, 30 Sylvan St., Danvers. A Celebration of Life is planned for September 2025. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pancreatic Cancer Foundation through the American Cancer Society at https://donate.cancer.org or the NPR/PBS station of your choice. Online directions and condolences are available at www.LyonsFuneral.com.