GRACE ALICE HURRELL (BROOK)

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GRACE ALICE HURRELL (nee BROOK) Grace passed away on October 26, 2008 at West Park Manor in Winnipeg with family at her side. Grace was born on December 14, 1910 on the family farm near Strathclair, Manitoba, the fourth of eight children. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Lawrence, her parents, James and Edith Brook, brothers, Jack, James, Ramsden and infant brother Thomas, and sisters, Bessie, Amy and Edith. She is survived by daughters, Lorraine Burt (Malcolm) of MacGregor and Marilyn Hurrell of Winnipeg, grandsons, Gavin Burt (Katie) of Beaumont Alberta and Bryce Burt of Winnipeg, and great-grandson Callum. She's also survived by sister-in-law Eva Brook, and brothers-in-law, Dennis Hurrell (Kay) and Glen Hurrell (Stella) as well as numerous nieces and nephews. After completing grade eight, Grace quit school to help out on the farm. At the age of 19, she returned to school to complete her grade 11 so that she could go to nursing school. She also worked as a housekeeper to save up for her training. She trained at the Dauphin General Hospital graduating in 1937 as a registered nurse. Following graduation she did private duty nursing before being hired at the Neepawa General Hospital. While there she met her future husband, Lawrence, who was working at the local bakery. With the outbreak of the Second World War, he joined the Royal Winnipeg Rifles and was sent to Truro, NS before going on to Europe. Grace followed him to Truro where they were married on February 25, 1941 and where they lived for six months until embarkation. Grace returned to Manitoba and during the war settled in Winnipeg working in the Winnipeg General Hospital. When the war was over and Lawrence returned, they moved back to Neepawa and bought the bakery. Grace was a fulltime homemaker and wife, supporting her husband in his business and community activities. She was active in Eastern Star, United Church Women and the local nursing association volunteering regularly at Red Cross blood donor clinics. Lawrence and Grace enjoyed their home and garden as well as their cottage at Kerrs Lake. Up until Lawrence's death, they enjoyed square dancing, travelling, D-Day reunions, winters in Arizona and time spent with friends. Grace enjoyed sewing and was a good cook, always collecting and trying new recipes. Visiting with her grandsons was always a highlight in her life. In her later years mobility problems forced her to give up her house at which time she chose to move into Elks Manor where she resided for 12 years before moving into a personal care home. Grace was laid to rest on October 31 in the Neepawa Riverside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Osteoporosis Society or the charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 15, 2008