Grace Lynn Kehler

Grace Lynn Kehler was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on September 4, 1964, the first child of Tina and John Kehler. She passed away suddenly on October 17, 2026, at the age of 62, just as she and her beloved Travis Kroeker were embarking on their latest adventure, retirement.

Grace lived life large. She possessed an effervescent energy, a boisterous sense of fun, and a vibrant spirit that made her a true force of nature. Yet she was a deeply private woman who cherished quiet solitude and authentic relationships built on trust, care, and mutual support. She was thoughtful, kind, and generous to a fault, holding a quiet spiritual perspective that saw the sacred naturally embedded in everyday life.

From a young age, Grace was enthralled with reading, learning, and teaching. This love of literature and ideas naturally led her to the halls of higher education. Her foray into academia began at Campion College at the University of Regina, where she earned her Honors degree in English Literature and forged enduring friendships. She went on to complete her Master's degree and Ph.D. at Western University in London Ontario before transitioning from student to dedicated educator at McMaster University in Hamilton where she spent nearly 30 years pursing this passion as a career. Being an academic was central to Grace's identity; she thrived in higher learning, held the principles and practices of a liberal arts education dear, and both inspired her students and was herself inspired by their personal pursuits.

Her belief in the power of words extended far beyond academia. She delighted in sharing her love of literature, gifting carefully curated books to the children of friends and family, chosen for their storytelling, language, and physical beauty.

In her forties, Grace met Travis and a love for the ages unfolded in whirlwind. Though their paths had crossed repeatedly over the years, they intersected at the perfect moment. Together, Grace and Travis created an extraordinary life grounded in shared passions, interests and beliefs. They spurred each other on in their professions, they navigated life’s ups and downs and explored the world side by side hiking through the mountains of Europe, gliding along silent rivers in Northern Ontario, cooking, hosting loved ones, and dreaming together. Travis was the light of Grace’s life, bringing her both quiet tranquility and joyful adventure.

Grace was a woman of eclectic tastes with a genuine zest for life's shared pleasures. A true epicure, she loved exceptional food and wine, finding deep joy in cooking and gathering people around a table. Wherever there was warmth, good conversation, or a shared meal, Grace was at the heart of it, beaming with her unmistakable smile.

Family meant a great deal to Grace, encompassing both her given and chosen family. She shared bonds of comfort, laughter, and affection with her parents, her sister and her cadre of special cousins. With Travis, she embraced an expanded family including his parents and siblings, children and beloved grandchildren. Becoming “GG” brought a wonderful new dimension to her life that she embraced with immense gratitude and love. She will be deeply missed by all who loved her so profoundly.

Grace is survived by her husband Travis; stepchildren Sarah (Steve), Miriam (Ian), and Peter; grandchildren Felix, Delphine, Ezra, and Eleanor; her sister Denise (Stephane); her cousin Bev (Dale); her extended family, and countless dear friends and former students.

A memorial service will take place at 1pm on November 8 at the Royal Botanical Gardens, Rock Garden, in Hamilton, Ontario.