She had a heart attack and a stroke this past Sunday. Her kidneys stopped producing urine. Everything else stopped this morning at 5:30.
She was 95 years old.
I am not a good eulogist. Whatever I write comes across as either trite or hopelessly inadequate. So I’m going to post the words of the some of the Majority Members of Job’s Daughters and Senior DeMolays whose lives she touched. They can say it so much better than I.
I met Auntie Grace and Uncle Bert in the early 90's a few years after I joined Job's Daughters. When my brother joined Beaver Chapter, Order of DeMolay, Auntie Grace became a permanent part of our lives. She was with us through our teenage years and as an adult supporter, Auntie Grace was my companion on my travels.
My favourite memory of Auntie Grace was at Beaver Chapter's Installation, the second time I was Sweetheart, when Jeff and the Chapter made her Sweetheart for Life. She sat in the East, tears in her eyes, so proud of 'her boys' and the work they did. What I particularly remember about that moment was that she wanted to catch up on all of the gossip (as we sat in the East), who was receiving what award, who had been elected to what station, what was happening in everyone's life. The members were focused on honouring her, and all she wanted to do was make sure that she hadn't forgotten to send someone a card to recognize their achievements. Auntie Grace would always remember to call, send a card or give a few words of cheer.
She touched so many people's lives and I'm so proud to have known her. I know that she will be joining Uncle Bert and her 'little doggie' (who passed away recently), and that she leaves behind a legacy of kindness and compassion, in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
She loved every single one of us unconditionally and with her whole heart. I know of several people she helped get through tough times with class and diginity. Myself included. You could always count on her for a loving hug, and cheerful words of encouragement. She will be greatly missed.
She was there for me a lot when I was HQ both times and had problems with my Guardian she was always on my side and very encouraging. I also remember chaparoning GS and rooming with her for bethel 34. She always wanted to take the shampoos and soaps for the womens shelters. Always wanting to help others.
I saw Auntie Grace last month at the Beaver Chapter Installation...we chatted, told me how proud she was of me and kissed me on the cheek. RIP Auntie Grace you will always be loved and never forgotten!!
One journeys through life unexpectedly meeting others on their own journey along the way. Few, I suspect, could ever be accused of giving to all living beings—especially complicated teenagers—unselfless love. Auntie Grace was one of those people. She was on this earth, in her estimation, for others. What a lesson and legacy to leave.
There is a saying that only the good die young. Whoever said it lied. Auntie Grace is proof.
Rest in peace, Grace. And thank you for everything. I hope to meet again some day when my journey is finished.
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