KARIN EVA SADIE GRAYDON (HAMMARSTRAND) -

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KARIN EVA SADIE GRAYDON (nee HAMMARSTRAND) 1907 - 2010 Karin Graydon passed away peacefully on Monday, September 13 in her 103rd year. Predeceased by her husband Edward P. Graydon and siblings, Edward, Nels, Robert, Karl and Sarah. She is survived by her sister Greta Johannson (Sweden), stepson Edward C. Graydon (Isabelle) and the kids stepdaughter Maureen and husband Paul Crowley, grand-children Christine, Kathleen, Maureen and Paul, 11 great-grandchildren and five great-great- grandchildren. She is also survived by nieces and nephews Karen Hammarstrand (Doug Petrick) Catherine King, Edward Hammarstrand, Elva Hammarstrand, Sandra Carrier, Bertil Johansson and Vivian Goodwin (Mike), and many great-nieces and nephews. Karin lived an amazing adventure, her life spanning the 20th century. She had an indomitable spirit and strength of character that carried her through many tough times. To the end of her days, she had a great sense of humor, determination and strong opinions. She was born in Gothenburg, Sweden, daughter to Gottfried and Sadie Hammarstrand (nee Gustafson) and moved to Winnipeg in 1913 as a young child where the Hammarstrands made their mark in the local Swedish community. When their father died prematurely in 1920, the six siblings bonded together to care for their mother and each other. Karin took great pride in her family and her Swedish heritage. She was very active in the Lutheran Church, singing (with her family), in the choir and later serving on church council. She was a life member of the Order of Eastern Star, Patricia Chapter, Lodge Strindberg #259 where she was the oldest member, and was also a member of the Strindberg Sisters. As well, Karin was active in many cultural activities at the Vasalund Centre, including the Santa Lucia pageant and Folklorama, and along with nieces Karen and Catherine, represented Sweden in the Parade of Nations. Karin met the love of her life at Eaton's where she was a fixture in the linen and fabric department for all of her working life. She and Ed Graydon married in 1950. He was her Irish Swede' and together they golfed, travelled Europe, visited Hawaii, spent Christmases with the kids in the East and hosted smorgasbords. Karin was a great cook, justifiably famous for her Swedish meatballs and her shortbread. She began working at Eaton's when goods were delivered in Winnipeg by horse and cart, and 37 years later, retired at age 65 when the store was still the grande dame of Portage Avenue. In another time, Karin might have been a fashion designer. She could copy the latest fashion and stretch a yard of fabric to create her signature style (always accessorized by fabulous shoes and jewellery!). She was an inspiration to her young relatives loved, admired and respected by all. Her surviving family members gathered in Winnipeg from across Canada and the United States to celebrate Karin's 100th birthday in 2007 when she was undeniably the woman of the day. Karin loved and engaged in life right to the end. Karin will be missed but never forgotten. Skol. A celebration of Karin's life will be held at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, on the corner of Cambridge and Corydon Avenue, on Friday, September 17 with a viewing at 1:00 p.m. followed by a service at 1:30. Interment will be at Brookside Cemetery. Honourary pallbearers will be Paul Crowley Sr., and Karl Larsson. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a charity of choice. NEIL BARDAL INC. FUNERAL CENTRE (204) 949-2200 nbardal.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 16, 2010