Grace (nee Bottrell) Grant

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our special Mom. She was sadly predeceased by many; her parents John and Mamie, sister Jean, brothers and sisters in-law, and of course most impacting was the passing of the love of her life, her husband Jim. She is survived by her kids, Scot (Karen), Kelly (Perry) and Paula (Matthew), grandkids Jesse (Sheila), Daniel and Shayne, and great grandkids Adeline “Grace” (Addy) and Luca, along with her brothers Jack, Clayton and Greg, her sister Fern, brother-in-law Marvyn, sisters-in-law Pat, Marianne, Lorna, and many beloved nieces, nephews and their significant others.

Born in Miami, MB to a tight knit family of 6 kids and musical parents, Mom was a bright student and a piano prodigy. At a very young age she traveled the countryside playing in a band, as well as putting on local dances with her friend Hazel. Her love of music was an ever-present part of our lives and her piano remained an important fixture in her home.

After finishing high school 2 years early, she moved to the big city of Winnipeg at age 16 where she got herself a job at the Royal Bank after walking in off the street and approaching the manager. “Any little kid that would have the guts to come in here and ask for a job, is alright by me”, he said. She was pleased, however, when her mother called not long after and asked her if she would like to come home.

Life changed when she met a handsome young man doing a painting job for her father. They were married in 1954 and moved to the city, first Regina then back to Winnipeg to Fort Garry, where they brought up their 3 kids in a busy life of music, sports, art, parties, community events, and involvement in the Fort Garry United Church that spanned over 50 years. With both our parents being musicians, Mom and Dad loved to host parties in our home with jam sessions in our basement with other musical friends. Our home was always bustling, filled with music, a sense of fun, and a huge sense of community and family.

Mom was also an accomplished artist, being a member of the Fort Garry Palette Club and taking countless classes through the Winnipeg Art Gallery. Her pieces adorn the homes of many family and friends. She chose not to sell her work as she painted from the heart and most important to her was to make sure they were hung in the perfect spot.

As we grew up, Mom took on managing a dress shop on Pembina Hwy where she developed quite a customer base due to her acute sense of style. She later opened her own business called “Theona’s”, where she designed and manufactured nightgowns for women who had undergone mastectomies after her own experience with breast cancer. She was the youngest at the time as a volunteer with the Canadian Cancer Society.

Mom and Dad golfed and curled, being members of the Wildewood Club, and when they retired, they joined Carman Golf Course and bought a summer home in town. Although they loved to travel, they were most content when they returned home to us.

When the grandkids and now great grandkids came, Mom and Dad could not be happier. They proudly attended every game, recital or concert. Favorite times were spent baking with the boys, Jesse and Daniel, putting on another amazing “dog and pony show”, with ladles and spoons for microphones and the kitchen window representing the TV. Mom and Dad sat in their favorite spot in center field for all of Jesse’s baseball games, and arrived early at the curling club to get the best seats behind many of Daniel’s curling games.

When Shayne came along another special bond was formed and a new light of their life arrived that they couldn’t get enough of. We shared visits in their apartment that were filled with music, dress up, art and batting the ball around to make the visit fun. With the arrival of great grandkids Addy and Luca, Mom wished she still had the energy to run with them but loved nothing more than to hold them in her arms.

Health issues brought Mom and Dad to the community of Riverwood Square. You can still find her larger than life adorning the back of the Riverwood bus. Mom became their resident pianist, playing for birthdays, church services and ceremonial events such as Remembrance Day services where they honored the many veterans who lived there.

When her challenges progressed, she received exceptional care and support from her dear friend Kadri during her transition to her new home at Brightwater Linden Pointe where she spent the last three years of her life. The family would like to thank the many special caregivers that came in to her world. Their compassion and caring brightened her days and made an incredible difference in her life. Special thanks as well to our dear family friend, Karen, who provided extraordinary care for Mom during her last months and who carried her right up until the end.

Mom has left a profound mark on all of us and will be forever missed. She was beautiful, she was strong, she was brave, she was special and we were lucky to have her as our Mom.

Cremation has taken place and Mom will be laid to rest with Dad at Thomson "In the Park" on McGillivray Blvd. Funeral will take place on June 5th at 11:00 AM at Fort Garry United Church, 800 Point Rd, Winnipeg.

In lieu of flowers, a donation would be gratefully appreciated to the Canadian Cancer Society.