Grace was born on March 30, 1939 to Oliver and Anita Redmond in Portland, Jamaica.
She met her husband of over 63 years, Laurence Miles, in Portland. Their marriage was one of enduring love and devotion. Laurence remained faithfully by her side, lovingly caring for her and advocating for her throughout her later years. Worship, praise and service to others were a large part of Grace’s upbringing and adult life. At home in Jamaica she developed a love for flowers and gardening that lasted her whole life.
She lived with her family in Jamaica and England, finally settling in Canada in 1977. While living in England Grace attended the London School of Economics and Political Science and later earned a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario.
Throughout her life, she was a teacher, a civil servant, visitation assistant, and long-standing Elder at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church in Hamilton, where she faithfully served her community for over 40 years.
Grace was always willing to lend a helping hand, welcome family and friends into her home, and offer guidance and support to those who needed it. Her generosity and care touched many lives
Grace is predeceased by her sisters, Lucille and Angela, as well as her grandson, Xavier. She is survived by her husband, Laurence, her children Janice, Donna (David), Nadine (Miklos) and Craig (Thul), her grandchildren Justine, Quinn, Kendra, Thaya and Kayla and great-granddaughter Kayauna. She will be missed by many relatives and friends around the world.
The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the care providers at Bayshore, St. Elizabeth and Paramed. A special thank you goes to Almaza, whose loving care went beyond her role as a family friend. She treated Grace as she would her own mother, offering not only compassion and affection but also unwavering advocacy for her well being. We are also deeply grateful to Dr. Benjamin Croft, Cynthia and the entire team at Southwest Family Health Centre for their exceptional care, unwavering support and advocacy for Grace and her family, particularly times when we needed guidance and assistance.
The visitation and funeral will be held at Cresmount Funeral Home at 322 Fennell Avenue East. Visitation will be on Wednesday, November 4 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., as well as Thursday, November 5 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., followed by internment at Mt. Hamilton Cemetery.
