GRACE EVELYN GRINDELL

It is with the deepest sorrow, mixed with relief that her pain has ended, that we announce the death of our beautiful, vibrant and loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and dear friend, Grace Evelyn Grindell (nee Marshall).  Grace is survived by her son, William Keith, daughter, Jodi Wynne, granddaughter, Samantha Elizabeth (Pakshaj (George)), and her brother, Bob, as well as several nieces and nephews and their families.

Grace was predeceased by her husband, L. Keith Grindell; her sisters and best friends, Edith Thomsen and Jean Buchanan; and brothers, Jack and Tom Marshall. 

Our mother was a deeply loving and giving individual, who wore her heart on her sleeve, and who laughed easily at herself.  She was sensitive and sometimes easily hurt but nothing could dampen her devotion and love for her family and friends.  She taught us the value in taking responsibility for mistakes and in offering a sincere apology to mend the way forward.  These traits enabled our mother and friend to move through life with humility, grace and dignity, and those are the lessons and the memories we hold closest in our hearts.  Her greatest gift to all of us was her welcoming and tender heart.

Grace was the greatest supporter and loudest cheerleader for her family, and took special delight in anything to do with her granddaughter.  She possessed an abundance of kindness and a generous spirit and, as a result, was blessed with a multitude of friends, so many of whom were able to visit and spend time with her over these last days.  However, we do want to acknowledge several people in particular whose love, kindness and devotion to our mother helped to make her final days as peaceful as possible.  Rene, Sandra, Brad, Barb and Sandy, Grace loved each of you so very much. 

Grace treasured her many trips to Churchill to visit Jodi and Samantha, and made many friends there, all of whom loved and adored her.  Her home in Winnipeg was the “stopping off point” for everyone travelling to and from somewhere — all were welcomed and taken care of, often with help from Jean, her co-conspirator in all matters.

Over the past several years, Grace met and soundly defeated many physical challenges as her body and spirit fought back hard.  During this time, HomeCare came to play a pivotal role in her life: the diligence, care and professionalism of Home Care Aides, such as Ana, ensured our mother was able to stay in her home where she was happiest.  We would also like to acknowledge the kindness and support that was provided by her physician, Dr. Singh, and Nurse Practitioner, Joanna, over the past several years, as well as the care and attention that Dr. Minuk and Nurse Gina provided at Cancer Care.  Our mother so wanted to make the centenary milestone and joked with her care providers she would continue to see them all for another thirteen years at least.  The individuals in health care work under enormous pressure and with limited resources but they operate from an ethos of professionalism, kindness and empathy, and we are so grateful for that.  

Cremation has taken place, and Grace’s ashes will be interred later at the cottage, a place she truly loved and where she enjoyed many visits around the bonfire with a drink and good company.  A gathering in celebration of her life is planned for the summer so that friends and family may attend, toast her memory, and enjoy a laugh or two.

William:  I love you.  Thank you for the privilege of allowing me to care for you in your final days and to have learned so much from you about love and hope and forgiveness.  I will miss your daily calls just to tell me that you loved me. 

Jodi:  Mum I will miss our road trips and adventures and most of all spending our time together and cooking and filling up your freezer.  I will constantly look at the car dash and wonder if the yellow light is on.

Samantha:  You are the best Nana in the whole wide world.  I love you to the moon and back.  A piece of my heart will be missing until we meet again.

Sandra:  I have so many memories in my heart of a kind, caring and supportive aunt.  You will be missed and forever loved.

Craig:  Farewell, Auntie Gah.  You will always be remembered as a caring aunt to me, a great aunt and second grandmother to our children, and a lifelong and loyal sidekick to your sister, Jean.  You be good.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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