Our dear Grace died in Victoria in the company of family following a brief illness on February 22, 2006. A cheerful and devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend, Grace loved life and brightened the lives of all who had the good fortune to know her.
Predeceased by her husband Clarence, sister Lillian, son-in-law James and many relatives and dear friends, she leaves behind her brother Walter, her son David (Carol), daughters Glenna and Bonnie (Gregory); four grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
Born in Vancouver on June 30, 1914 Grace was raised and schooled in several B.C. interior towns. She arrived in Kamloops with her mother Rose in 1932 and met and married Clarence in 1934. As a young woman, she worked with her husband hauling livestock throughout the interior and had the fondest memories of country dances and fishing trips with life-long friends Grace and Jack Jones. She had her mother as part of her family and cared for her for over 40 years. She later lived in Port Alberni and Nanaimo, New Westminster, Langley and Victoria. She had many happy memories of her friends from Bee Street and the Safeway coffee bar.
A voracious and broad reader, she loved all books and to the end of her days could recite long passages of poetry learned as a girl. She loved nature and the outdoors and had a natural talent for craftworks. She leaves many cherished works in stone, leather, pine-needle weaving and wood, and many decorations using natural materials. Well into her late 80s she could be found scouring beaches, trying to drag a large piece of driftwood home. She also loved her bingo and lottery tickets, her passing perhaps leaving a minor dip in the Provincial lottery profits.
Grace will be remembered for her ability to make the most of each and every day and for her smile that would warm a room and our hearts forever. Our sincere thanks go to the staff of Oak Bay Lodge, Maple 2 and Dr. Innes, for their loving care for Mom over the past three years and to her dear friend and roommate Ruth Howell.
No service. In her memory, it would please Mom greatly for you to do one of the things she loved, read a book, take a walk on the beach or park, spend time with a loved one or friend, or pet a dog.
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