JESSIE ISOBEL GRIEVE (WEBSTER)

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JESSIE ISOBEL GRIEVE (nee WEBSTER) With full hearts, we share the news that Jessie died on Saturday, October 27, 2012, after a long and loving life. Of course, we will miss her, but we are grateful for the many ways she cared for us, taught us, and loved us. Jessie was born in Winnipeg on April 15, 1917. She was the daughter of William and Ellen Webster (Hamilton). She grew up in a strong and loving family with three brothers, Gavin, George, and Grant, who predeceased her. Jessie met Frank Grieve at a dance at the Air Force Base in Winnipeg during the early years of the Second World War. They were married in 1942 and spent 39 years together, working to raise their family, sharing many interests such as gardening (each was a master grower of fuchsias) and traveling. Frank died in 1981. To all who knew Jessie, she was a loving person, and she held onto her generosity and caring right to the end. Wherever she lived, she made true friends, and lots of them (Here's to the Sewing Club!) She had a capacity to see the best in people and to draw the best from them. She was compassionate to the core and made a gentle space for those who shared her world. Jessie loved recipes, and was an elegant hostess and a fabulous cook. She made all kinds of outings possible for her family, and the Webster summer picnics are the stuff of legend. Reading and learning were important to Jessie. She was politically progressive and socially open-minded. She advocated for those who needed others to stand with them, was a supporter of LEAF (Legal Education and Action Fund that supported women), a Feminist Grandmother, and a member of the Canadian Women's Club. Jessie was a life-long member of the United Church of Canada, most recently Westworth United. Her faith was deep and abiding. She held her faith through some tough life-tests, and did not become bitter or angry or cynical. Death was not her enemy, but a new chapter, a time for healing and reunion. She will be deeply missed by her family: daughters Maryellen Grieve, Nancy Sutherland, Rosanne Sutton, (Robert Collings), her grandsons Geoff, Pat, and Kevin Stasko and Aaron Donst. Her granddaughter-in-law, Gloria and great-grandson, Dylan, will also miss her. Judy Beaudry became a fourth daughter to Jessie, and she shares the family's sorrow. Jessie had a strong extended family and will be missed by several nieces and nephews, and her cousin Margaret McPherson, who was like a sister to her. Sadly, she was predeceased by another sister-cousin, Jean Gibson. There are many thanks to be shared by Jessie's daughters: to Betty, Muriel, and Fran, the home care workers who kept Jessie in her own place, to Dr. Della Pisi for his years of tender care, for the staff of Pembina Place, and to those who faithfully kept in touch and loved Jessie right to the end. In keeping with Jessie's favourite causes, donations to either The Salvation Army or Friends of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Jessie's memory would be wonderful. A memorial service will be held on Friday, November 9, 2012, at 2:00 p.m. at Neil Bardal Funeral Centre, 3030 Notre Dame Avenue. Come and celebrate a loving life.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 03, 2012