MARY ANASTASIA GRIAS

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MARY ANASTASIA GRIAS It is with deep regret that we announce the death of Mary Grias, who passed away peacefully at Deer Lodge Centre on Wednesday, January 12, 2011 at the age of 85 years. Mary is sadly missed and will always be remembered by her daughters Jody (Michael), Eileen (David), Marg (Ed), Karen (Ivan), Lisette (Bill); son Pat; grandchildren Trevor, Shane, Erin, Lindsay, Jess, Leslie, Phil, Mark, Brian, Patrick, Kirsten, Tara and Reg; as well as by sister Eileen (Bill); many nieces and nephews. Most recently, she was proud to tell people of her two great-grandchildren, Chayton and Ben. Mary lived a big life in her 85 years. At the age of 17, she ran away from home on a small island in Newfoundland to join the army. Although her wartime service was brief, it illustrated at that young age her courage and independent spirit. Returning home to Newfoundland, Mary married Pat Donnelly and began her family. Widowed early, she struggled but held us together. For many years she forged on as a single mom but then married again to Austin Lejeune. Widowed again after increasing the family by two, Mary resumed the role of single parent. As a teacher, she somehow made ends meet, moving the family all over Canada to where the work was. She married again while living in Hay River, NWT and saw her children all grow up safely and well. After retiring from teaching, she opened a business. She and her late husband, Jean Grias came to Manitoba when he retired and spent many happy years together in Stony Mountain where she made new friends and had the chance to spend time on being an artist and craftsperson. Mary loved to sew for her grandchildren but enjoyed nothing better than spending time with both the grandkids and her children. After Jean passed away she moved to Stonewall and eventually to Deer Lodge Centre. Although she grew physically frail she kept her wits about her (as she liked to say!) to the end. Funeral Mass will be Celebrated on Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. in St. John Brebeuf Roman Catholic Church, 1707 John Brebeuf Place, with Rev. Fr. R. A. Glofcheski, presiding. Special thanks and recognition go from the family to the staff on Tower 5 at Deer Lodge Centre, who cared for Mary so kindly. Flowers are thankfully accepted but, if preferred, donations in her name to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, (1080 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3G 3M3) are also welcome. Rest In Peace

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 22, 2011