GRACE MARGUERITE BUTCHARD (BELL)

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GRACE MARGUERITE BUTCHARD (nee BELL) It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Grace Marguerite Butchard, on Sunday, October 14, 2007. Grace was predeceased by her parents Robert and Harriet Bell; sister Marjorie Gauer; brother-in-law Gordon and cherished husband of 58 years, Joseph Butchard. Mom's love and support of her family was always uncompromising and unconditional. She was enormously proud of her children and grandchildren. Left to remember her and carry her legacy are her children; Elaine (Gary), Neil (Pam), and Lenore (Arnie). Grace had a special place in her heart for her grandchildren and their families who were always so caring and helpful; Christine (Brian), Lorraine (John), Heather (Adam), Krista (Chris) and Jonathan (Rob); great-grandchildren Hannah, Maksym, Mathew, Brendan, Ryan, Ayva and Chanelle. Grace was born in Winnipeg on November 13, 1919 and grew up on Atlantic Avenue, supported by a close and loving family. She was extremely proud of her Irish heritage and her roots in North End Winnipeg. Her entire family was very active in the Atlantic Avenue Church, where Mom taught Sunday school. After graduating from Isaac Newton High School, Grace attended Success Business College and worked for the Canadian National Institute For The Blind and the offices of Winnipeg Child Welfare. During those early years Mom made friends with whom she remained close all of her life. Grace met Joe Butchard in 1938 and they were married in 1943. They had a truly remarkable relationship, remaining deeply in love and absolutely devoted to each other throughout their long marriage. Blessed with many close friends, they always had an active social life. Grace and Joe were inseparable. We watched with great admiration as Mom supported her husband in life, carried on after his loss, and continued to honour the memory of her Beloved Joe' through the stories she related of their time together. Throughout her life Grace was an avid reader, loved knitting and was a very accomplished sewer. She stitched and knit her love into countless items for all of us. She also enjoyed alley bowling, Bridge Club, Hen's Club, theatre night, curling, lawn bowling, and a rowdy game of cards with her favourite opponents her grandchildren. Mom loved our family camping holidays and we cherish the memories of those adventures. Grace was never fazed by the challenge of four weeks with a family of five in a sometimes leaky tent. Our parents kept the spirit of those wonderful times alive long after we children left home - each Saturday morning marked by an extended family picnic at the Park, sometimes with the old Coleman stove heating the coffee. But of all the activities she loved, Grace's favourite pastime was a walk with Joe. Daily throughout the year they could be found in Assiniboine Park, often hand in hand, enjoying the simple pleasure of each other's company. Grace was a truly gentle, compassionate person with great patience and humility. She valued each of us as an individual, forgave our shortcomings, reminded us of our strengths and accomplishments and supported us unconditionally. She always gave special attention to family, friends and acquaintances experiencing difficult or challenging times. Her caring and thoughtful nature was reflected in so many small acts of kindness which will be remembered by everyone who knew her. Grace's warm humour, inner calm and deep understanding of what was truly important in life will continue to centre her family. Sincere gratitude to the staff of CCC who cared for Grace these last months. Very special thanks to Dr. A. Jowett and staff of The Wellington. Their compassionate care was truly appreciated by Mom and has given our family great comfort. At Mom's request, there will be a private interment. Friends are invited to join family in celebrating Grace's life on Tuesday, October 23, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., 489 Borebank Street. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may donate in her memory to the charity of their choice or Canadian National Institute For The Blind. We love you Mom. We will carry you in our hearts forever.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 20, 2007