MARIE CHRISTINE GRIERSON (CLARK)

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MARIE CHRISTINE GRIERSON (nee CLARK) With deep sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved mother and grandmother, Marie Christine Grierson (nee Clark) at George Derby Centre, Burnaby, BC on Tuesday, October 11, 2005 after a prolonged struggle with Bronchiectasis and a lifelong battle with Myasthenia Gravis. Marie Christine was born in Winnipeg, September 2, 1922 and educated at Norwood Collegiate and United College. Christine participated in the Commonwealth Air Training Program during the Second World War, where she met and married Alexander Henderson Grierson. Raising a family followed but Christine returned to the world of education earning a Bachelor of Pedagogy in 1974 from the University of Manitoba. She taught school in Manitoba for several years, before retiring and moving to British Columbia. To stay connected with her Military experience Mum was a regular participant in the Commonwealth and RCAF Air Women's Reunions both locally and around the world. She was also a member of the Canadian Legion Branch #177, and an Alumnus of the University of Manitoba. A strong independent woman, she lived a full life demonstrating the power of her convictions. She was a devout Christian, and member of St. Cuthbert's Anglican in North Delta, and the Protestant congregation at George Derby Centre. She witnessed her faith by writing hundreds of articles for Christian publications in Canada, the US and UK, as recently as January 2005 and on the 'www' this fall. She was devoted to many causes to make the world a better place. She generously contributed to those less fortunate and was an advocate for animal rights and environmental issues. As a volunteer she gave of her time and talents to organizations she supported. Mum loved travel! Her adventures led her across North America, to Europe and the South Pacific. She made several trips to New Orleans to visit a cousin, and was so saddened by the recent devastation of Hurricane Katrina in that lovely city. Music was life to Christine and she had the voice of an angel. Her strong Christian faith contributed to her involvement in many church choirs. She performed with the Winnipeg Philharmonic Choir for 10 years, conducted the Orpheus Choral Club and was a member/soloist for the White Rock Chamber Music Society, played percussion with the White Rock Community Orchestra and was standby conductor of the Kent Street Choristers. She also participated in the music programs at George Derby Centre. Christine was a loving and devoted mother and grandmother. 'Nannie' was proud of her family and enjoyed sharing the joy of their accomplishments. She travelled to see them wherever they lived. Mum blessed all our lives and we are so thankful to have had her with us for so long. She will live on in our hearts forever loved! Marie Christine was predeceased by her parents George and Laura (nee Gallinger) Clark (1982,1966), former husband Alexander Henderson Grierson (1999) and by her infant grandson Jordan Daniel Reid in December 1981. Christine will be deeply missed by her four children, Alexander Clark Grierson of Winnipeg; Catherine (Bill) Hewson of Surrey, BC (Winnipeg); Sheila (Daryl) Reid of Winnipeg and Bev (Trevor) Jarvis of Nanaimo, BC; and her eight grandchildren, Jennifer, Kathryn and Lindsay Powell (Manitoba); Kevin, Corey and Daniel Reid (Winnipeg); David Hewson (Winnipeg) and Stephen Hewson (Surrey, BC). A funeral service and interment will be held at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, 4000 Portage Ave., Winnipeg on Saturday, October 22 at 12:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations will be welcomed to BC Lung Association, 2675 Oak St., Vancouver; Myasthenia Gravis Association of BC, 2805 Kingsway, Vancouver; or George Derby Centre, 7550 Cumberland St., Burnaby. Dear Lord, not our will but Yours. Into Thine hands we commend the spirit of this faithful child of God. Prepare a place for her now in Your heavenly kingdom. Amen.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 20, 2005