Grace Herringer

Grace was born 96 years ago on December 8, 1917, in Shaunavon, Saskatchewan. She was a long time resident of Kamloops, B.C. and was known and loved by people from all walks of life. She passed away, suddenly and without illness, on May 6, 2014.

Although Grace was in good physical health, during the past two years she was fortunate to have the laughter and friendship of many people at Ponderosa Lodge; she went there for respite, socialization in the Day Program, and the excellent care of Dr. Howie and physical therapists who treated her in the Convalescent Care Unit for her osteoporosis.

Grace first and foremost loved being a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend; she raised her family in the North Thompson and Kamloops areas and spent the rest of her life in Kamloops.

Grace was predeceased by her infant son (Kenneth) and her grandson (Eldon); her two sisters: Margaret Audette and Blanche Krohn and her four brothers: Frank, Harry, George and Casey Blomme.

Grace is survived by five children: G.G. Matuga, Lois Matuga (William), George Doonan (Norma), Mary Doonan, Carolyn Doonan (Martin Ketteringham)

15 grandchildren:

Linda McCulloch, Cindy Matuga (Chris), Lee Matuga; Cheri Matuga-Borstel (Lorne Borstel), Blaine Matuga (Brenda) , Denise Swoboda (Mark), Kevin Matuga (Ali); Candace Goss (Dave); Kenneth Degen (Renaye) and Patricia Swoboda (John); Tianna Brittian (Ray), Hayley Belton (Kyle), Charis Anderson (Andrew); Joel Doonan-Ketteringham, Tobias Doonan-Ketteringham.

24 great-grandchildren:

Linda's children: Natasha, Saxon, Mica; Cindy's children: Mckay and Riley; Cheri's child: Karis; Blaine's children: Lindsey and Colton; Denise's children: Sean, Jordan and Kennedy; Kevin's children: Max and Chase; Candace's children: Brittany and Kayla; Patricia's children: Mckenzie and Dawson; Kenneth's children: KaSara, Kayden and Keenan; Tianna's children: Jesse and Jonas; Hayley's son: Oliver; Charis's son: Josiah

Grace had many beloved nieces and nephews; they will mourn her loss but remember her kindness toward them.

Throughout her life, Grace was a woman of compassion and principle, hard work and relentless energy.

Her current passions included: caring for others, spending time with family and her close friends, Eva, Margaret, and Edna, delighting in the beauty of nature, watching baseball (especially ‘the Jays’, curling, and casino shows), drinking a ‘good’ cup of strong coffee with her special friend, Linda Fraser, who visited often and made Grace's life wonderful and filled with love. There are too many others to name but each of you know who you are and the family appreciates how generous and kind you were to Grace throughout the years she lived in the downtown core of Kamloops. For instance, Candy, the Handy Dart driver, added nothing but joy to "Gracie's" life since the two crossed paths and began to dance!

Grace's formative years were spent on a ranch 20 miles south of Shaunavon, Saskatchewan. She rode horse-back to school and loved playing softball. When she was 13 years old, she spent a year in Belgium, the homeland of her parents, Oliver and Zulma (meaning--Peace) Blomme. As a young woman, Grace was scouted for the Saskatchewan provincial women’s softball team, was offered a chance to play softball in Madison Square Gardens, and she turned down an offer to work in India.

As an adult, Grace enjoyed dressing up and going out; she also loved walking, dancing, and playing cards and everything associated with the beauty of nature. She passed that enjoyment on to her children and others.

Grace was a valuable employee who worked extremely hard as a professional cook for threshing crews, rodeos, logging camps; and many years at Hoopy Lake Fishing Resort. Following retirement, Grace was a volunteer at Royal Inland Hospital and at the Kamloops Blazers Hockey games. She participated in community events and walked in the MS Walk when she was over 80 years old! All in all, Grace was a very well-known and well-loved downtown Kamloops citizen.

A "Celebration of the Life of Grace" will be begin at 1:00 on May 24th, at Hotel 540, 540 Victoria St., Kamloops, B.C.

In lieu of flowers, please donate, in Grace's memory, to the Charity of your choice.