GRACE ELIZABETH MCCONKEY (LUND)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

GRACE ELIZABETH MCCONKEY (nee LUND) Grace Elizabeth (née Lund) McConkey, at the age of 88, died peacefully on Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at her residence at Heritage Lodge. Grace was born September 9, 1923 in Elkhorn, Manitoba. She was the fifth of five daughters of Reverend Edward and Julia Lund. Grace had a life-long association with The United Church of Canada, which was formed when she was two years old. Her father was a United Church minister and Grace grew up as a minister's daughter, moving from town to town every few years as was the custom then. Grace's childhood was spent in Elkhorn, Hamiota, Minnedosa, and Holland, Manitoba. After high school, scholarships enabled Grace to attend United College (now the University of Winnipeg). After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in mathematics, Grace worked at several jobs in the life insurance field involving actuarial mathematics. Grace met Art McConkey at the Young People's group at Westminster Church. They were married at that church on June 7, 1947. Grace and Art had a house built for them in 1950 on North Drive in Fort Garry, and lived there all their married life. Grace's life was enriched by her more than 50-year marriage to Art, her three children and her nine grandchildren. Grace was a devoted wife and mother. Grace and Art set an example of how to live a life that valued learning, co-operation, kindness, frugality, and responsibility. Grace was a member of Fort Garry United Church for more than 60 years, with singing in the choir being a special joy for her. She liked travelling, going on many family camping trips over the years. Later, Art and Grace travelled to Iceland and family history trips to England and Ireland. Grace was an avid bowler and acted as secretary of the Fort Garry Women's Bowling League for over 40 years. She enjoyed bridge, Scrabble, crosswords, cats, and flower gardening. Grace regularly attended the chamber orchestra, ballet, and theatre. She had a great sense of humour and loved making puns. Grace was predeceased by her four sisters Edra, Irene, Merle (Don), and Winona; as well as by her husband Art in 2000. Grace will be lovingly remembered by: her son David (Meg) of Brandon, grandchildren, Allan, Mark, and Clare; daughter Ann (Greg) of Winnipeg, grandchildren Alexandra, Jessica, Samantha, and stepgrandchildren Thomas (Sarah) and Jonathan; son Brian (Adele) of Swift Current, Saskatchewan, grandchildren Michelle, Laura, and Ian; and many other family members and friends. Grace leaves a legacy of a full life filled with humour, people, involvement, and purpose. The family is grateful to the caregivers at Riverwood Square, Harmony Court, Home Care, and Heritage Lodge who looked after Grace so well in her final years. The memorial service will be held on Friday, March 2 at 2:00 p.m. at Fort Garry United Church, 800 Point Road. In memory of Grace, please consider a donation to the Fort Garry United Church, Habitat for Humanity, University of Winnipeg, or charity of one's choice. Chapel Lawn www.chapellawn.mb.ca 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 25, 2012