To Grace’s siblings and extended family,
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on Grace’s passing.
As I am sure is the case for each and every one of you, I have many treasured memories of Grace that I will always hold close to my heart.
I was fortunate enough to have Grace as a part of my life from my earliest years, as she and my Mother were dear friends before I was even born (close to 50 years) – so, she was like an Aunt to me. Grace was always a treasured link to my own Mother.
Years ago, Grace was generous enough to take me to many a Flames game, and I will miss our post game telephone chats (hockey or football) which we shared up until just recently. She and my Mom (and later Grace and I) enjoyed many a meal at Swiss Chalet. I remember that one year my Mom gave Grace a Shamrock plant for St Patrick’s Day – I don’t think Grace could have been more thrilled, so proud of her Irish heritage. I believe it lasted many years, until Grace went out of town and asked Mom to look after it. Mom tended that thing like a baby – and though it was far worse for wear when Grace returned – I think she did manage to revive it! One of the finest meals I have ever enjoyed was prepared by Grace and though she said it “couldn’t have been” because my own Mom was such a fabulous cook – I remember visiting her apartment on 5th Avenue and feasting on steak and shrimp – one Saturday in between Walt Disney and Hockey Night in Canada. I must have been about 10 years old. Grace was there to see me off to High School graduation, and was present at my “family only” wedding (wearing one of her signature hats!). The day after my Mom died, I arrived home from errands to find Grace – standing on my doorstep with home cooked meals and an assortment of groceries, though I’m sure her loss was as heartfelt as my own. It was a similar story when my father passed away and she supported my Mom.
I feel truly blessed to have had Grace as a part of my life, as I’m sure each of you do. The love and pride she had for her family was so evident each time we spoke – as she related stories of births, milestones or endearing stories of her great great nieces and nephews. I often joked with her that it was having to remember so many names that kept her memory sharp!!
Thank you for sharing Grace with our family!
Sincerely,
Patricia Morton
