ELIZABETH MARGARET GRYTE (COUTTS)

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ELIZABETH MARGARET GRYTE (COUTTS) December 25, 1925 June 23, 2015 It is with heavy hearts that we, her children, announce the peaceful passing of our mother, our friend, our confidant, Elizabeth Margaret Gryte on June 23, 2015 at the Riverview Health Centre. Elizabeth was born of English and Scottish parents who gave her the determined and staunch disposition to face many challenges in her life, with just the right amount of humor. Her children were her greatest love and most important in her life. She was determined to do whatever was necessary and all she could to provide them all with love and support. Mum was very adventurous. From camping with her grandchildren, mountain hiking and dancing with Don Ho in Hawaii to nude bathing in an onsen in Japan at the spry age of eighty with her daughter and granddaughter. Mum took scenic bus tours to eastern Canada and the United States and travelled to Hollywood to visit with her only sister, Dolly. She always enjoyed telling us of the great times she and Dolly had travelling on the Grand Beach train for a day of swimming and dancing. Later in her life most trips were taken with her daughter, Linda, with Mum as the navigator. Needless to say, they were lost a number of times, but always had a laugh. Their most memorable trips were spontaneous with their destination unknown. It is with profound sadness that Mum is now on her final journey. Although she goes alone, our hearts soar at the thought of the surprise Mum will find at the end of this journey where she will be met by her beloved son, Jeffery. Quiet times on the verandah at the Victoria Beach cottage watching the trees and animals were of great enjoyment to Mum, but only after a full day of cleaning, yard work, and other jobs such as unclogging plumbing, or repairing roofing as necessary. Mum was a "Jill" of all trades, born out of necessity. We all learned the value of trying to repair, move, and refurbish almost anything. We were very happy that Riverview was able to provide Mum with her own scenic window, facing the river and the trees. Mum also shared her love with cats throughout her life. They always shared her room and her bed. Phoenix missed all the brushings and cuddling after Mum moved to Riverview. Mum had many office careers, but the one that meant the most to her was James B. Carter, where her ready smile and friendly demeanor made many lifelong friends. Upon her retirement at the age of 67 she continued to join in with her work colleagues at the yearly Christmas party and the monthly retirees luncheon. At a large celebration of her 80th birthday, which was hosted by her daughters, she was presented with a trip to Hawaii and a pillow autographed by everyone present. Mum touched the lives of everyone she met with her outgoing personality and warm smile. We will always remember the twinkle in her eyes and that smile. Her last smile was for her great grandson Wyatt, who brought true joy to her life. Mum also touched many lives both in Canada, United States, Japan, and Australia. She is remembered as the "Labo" grandmother in Canada to many children and adults from Japan. The outpouring of emails, facebook messages and flowers confirms how much she was thought of by others. She was also pleased to be included in the Gryte reunions where she reunited with many relatives and friends from her younger years. Mum was predeceased by her parents, Herbert Coutts (Cutts) and Maggie Gill, her beautiful sister, Dolly, all her brothers, her first husband, Douglas Gryte, her second husband, whom she married at the age of 72, and unbeknownst to Mum, her only son, Jeff in March of 2015. Mum is survived by her beloved daughters, Linda, Carlene (Michael), Ingrid (David) her cherished Grandchildren Tyler (Amanda), Chozanne, Sheri-Lynne (Chris), Leanna (John), Elayna and Matthew, Great grandchildren, Wyatt, Aiyanna, Sean, Ryan, Sarah, Joshua, Grace, Tanner, Carson, Kerrington, Rhys and numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to express thanks to the excellent and caring staff of CD2 at Riverview Health Centre for their support and friendship of Mum over the past years, especially Sheldon, for not only his care of Betts, but his compassion for her family. As per Mum's wishes cremation has taken place. There has been a private committal of her ashes. To our Mum Mom you meant the world to us It's hard to live without you You were always by our sides Through thick and thin you helped us Now when you're gone our lives are hard to live It's hard to breath, it's hard to see And it's hard to think about anything but you Even though your love will shine in us forever It's still hard not to look for your hand to hold. Even though you're not here with us in the flesh We still have you in our hearts and in our memories We will love you forever Mum Your Daughters

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 04, 2015