GRACIA (GRACE) MARIE REINE HAMEL (LEGROS)

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GRACIA (GRACE) MARIE REINE HAMEL (LEGROS) Peacefully, after a brief illness, Gracia (Grace) Marie Reine Hamel (LeGros), passed away at Riverview Health Centre, February 5, 2006 in the arms of loved ones. Memere leave to mourn her son Andre and wife Carole (Hutlet) and grandchildren, Amanda and Dale; and her son Paul and wife Connie (Bart) and grandchildren, Calvin and Jesse. Grace was predeceased by her husband Gerald (Gerry) Hamel, by her parents, Thomas and Beatrice LeGros, her sister Gabrielle (Edras Fatty ) Mousseau and her brothers, Claude, Raymond and Larry. She will be deeply missed by her twin sister Rita (Gordon) Fenelon and her sister Lorraine (Les) Cain, sisters-in-law, Irene and Rose Legros. Grace was born in Pinewood, ON, on April 1, 1934. Her family moved to St. Boniface in 1938, where she grew up in the home attached to their family operated general store across the street from the St. Boniface General hospital. She obtained her elementary schooling at St. Joseph's Academy and graduated from St. Adolphe High School. Upon graduation Grace was employed with Ontario Hydro at White Dog Falls in northern Ontario where she met her future husband Gerry. They married on July 4, 1959 and eventually settled in Winnipeg. After raising their two sons, Grace worked at Burn's Meats for over 25 years, where she was a loyal employee and had an outstanding work ethic. She worked in the payroll department and would never hesitate to work late or bring homework in order to make sure that everyone received their pay checks on time. Grace had boundless perseverance and an ability to forge ahead regardless of what life dealt her, maintaining her dignity and grace throughout it all. Grace was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, neighbour and friend. Her home was always open to friends and family Hamel Hotel . Grace enjoyed hosting dinners for frequent family gatherings. All were welcomed equally, friends and family alike. She enjoyed and shared her many talents including crafts, sewing, making costumes, cooking, baking, playing piano and flower gardens. Together with Gerry, Grace very much enjoyed volunteering at the Vestival du Voyageur. She had a natural fondness for animals, and throughout her life had pet birds, fish and dogs. Grace had a modest, kind and gentle nature. She touched the lives of many people through her sincerity, warmth, respect, sharing and lasting friendships. Grace had unselfish generosity and often put the needs of others ahead of her own. She cherished children and was especially proud of her grandchildren. Grace treated them with respect and listened to them with patience. Fun, love and laughter were her essence. She loved to play jokes on people and had a fine wit. Grace was an example to us all. We will miss you mom, memere sister, aunty, friend, neighbour and you memory will always make us smile. Prayers will be said at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 7 at Glen Lawn Funeral Home, 455 Lagimodiere Blvd. (south of the Royal Canadian Mint). Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 8 at St. Bernadette Parish, 820 Cottonwood Rd. with Fr. Fred Olds celebrant. Service will terminate at the church with cremation to follow. A private family interment will take place in Glen Lawn Memorial Gardens. The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation for the wonderful care and loving kindness given by the medical and nursing staff of CancerCare Manitoba and Riverview Health Centre 3-East Palliative Care. Sincere gratitude to our neighbours, the Krahns for their continued presence and support. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to 3-East Palliative Care (478-6271) at Riverview Health Centre, 1 Morley Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3L 2P4. We love you Grace... Me Too Arrangements entrusted to: GLEN LAWN FUNERAL HOME 455 LAGIMODIERE BLVD. 982-7550

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 08, 2006