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ELIZABETH CATHERINE GRIMES (Clements) (Liz)
Born: Sep 29, 1930
Date of Passing: Aug 29, 2022
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ELIZABETH CATHERINE GRIMES
September 29, 1930 - August 29, 2022
It is with great sadness and loving memories that we mourn the passing of Elizabeth "Liz" Grimes (nee Clements), on August 29, 2022, one month shy of her 92nd birthday.
Born and raised in Montreal, she was predeceased by parents, Jack and May Clements; her husband Douglas R. Grimes (1996); son Bruce Grimes (2010); and daughter-in-law Debbie Grimes (nee Hay) (2020). "Dana", as she was known to her family, is lovingly remembered by sons, Michael (Ruth) and Doug Jr. (Kelly); daughter Wendy Krovats (Jim); and her beloved grandchildren: Caroline Bosc (Pierre) and James and Sara Grimes; Julia and Nathan Krovats; and Owen and Georgia Grimes.
Liz and Doug met in Montreal during high school. Liz graduated from nursing at Montreal General Hospital, and Liz and Doug married after he graduated from McGill Engineering and moved to Kingston, Ontario, where Doug completed his Master's degree and Liz worked in the blood bank. They then moved to Ottawa, where Bruce and Michael were born, before moving to Winnipeg and settling in St. Vital (Bronstone Blvd. then Victoria Crescent), where Wendy and Doug Jr. joined the family. Liz took a leave from nursing until 1980 when, wanting a bigger challenge than raising four kids in five and one-half years, she enrolled in an RN refresher program at the age of 50, and resumed her career as an OR nurse at the Health Sciences Centre. This was a fulfilling and rewarding period for Liz, as her sense of order, structure and unmatched work ethic allowed her to excel. Liz also travelled throughout Manitoba to assist in surgeries in remote communities. She made many great friends while at HSC and was always up to host a shower party or knit baby gifts for her co-workers. She finally retired in 1990 to dedicate herself to care for Doug during his illness which she did with great care and attention. Over the years, Liz volunteered with a number of Winnipeg organizations including St. Vital United Church, Norberry Community Club, Riverside Lionelles, St. Amant Centre, Meals on Wheels, CancerCare, and the Victoria Hospital Lifeline. She was a voracious knitter and contributed hundreds of pairs of mittens or sweaters to various organizations. She also took a keen interest in the genealogy of the Clements family, investigating their pre-First World War history in Chefoo (Yantai) China.
Doug and Liz enjoyed travelling and seeing the world. Eventually they found a winter home in Siesta Key, Florida which the family was able to enjoy together. After Doug's passing, Liz shifted her winter trips to Victoria where she could also spend time with Bruce and Doug Jr., and their families. Liz made the decision to accept any and all possible invitations to explore, mostly with her dear friends, Clyde and Vicki McBain. Liz toured Europe, South America, and a rather bumpy cruise of the Yellow Sea of China and was always up for an adventure (as long as it wasn't to the Narcisse snake pits).
One of the best decisions made by Doug and Liz was to buy a cottage at Star Lake in the Whiteshell Provincial Park. Endless fun, adventures, and parties were had with the family, friends, and many guests who were always welcome at Block 4, Lot 5. The Star Lake Log that Liz dutifully kept will always remind us of the happy times we shared, the guests who stayed with us and when we bought the new outboard and frig.
Dana had a strong sense of duty and commitment to any task she assumed. Always the first to step up when help was needed (especially with cleaning), she worked diligently until the job was done. Dana put many hours into preparing the family traditions for Christmas and thoughtful gifts that she found for everyone. She was fun and loving in a very special "Dana" way. She enjoyed offering her opinion, a good laugh, exotic food, murder mystery novels (the more graphic the better), driving kids and grandkids to extracurriculars, a game of charades or crib, and a rye and coke before dinner. We will never forget her, and will cherish everything she did for each of us.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Douglas R. Grimes Fellowship in Engineering at the University of Manitoba.
A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, September 16, at 10:00 a.m., at Glen Lawn Funeral Home, 455 Lagimodiere Blvd.
Family and friends may sign
a book of condolence at www.glenlawn.ca
Glen Lawn Funeral Home
204-982-7550
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 03, 2022
Condolences & Memories (7 entries)
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My sincerest sympathy and condolences to Wendy, Mike, and Doug and your families ..Your Mom was an extraordinary woman ..During the years of babysitting you …I was 12 and through last 60 years we have remained in touch by annual Christmas letter or occasional phone catch up with Liz..and now that continues through Wendy …what a gift Liz was to me in those early years ..as your babysitter, I learned so many life skills through her example and willingness to share them with me …and to this day follow some of those wonderful skills she shared ..I truly loved your Mom..she was a constant in my life…although having left Winnipeg in 1972 to move to Calgary, any trip back (with Bill and I and our two boys to Winnipeg) always included a visit with Liz ..it was a must do. Babysitting also turned into swim lessons for you, and through those years, as a teenager, university, working then, move to Calgary, I so valued her character always ..her purposeful and endearing sense of humour, tell it like it is ..full and very balanced life ..Liz was indeed the real deal and she lived that way always ..Her legacy is far reaching ..through her family and those of us who so appreciated her friendship, wisdom and caring all these years …She indeed has influenced so many, will never be forgotten, and cherished as a person who had a tremendous impact on so many lives ..Take care Wendy, Mike and Doug …with my love and prayers for Gods Peace and great Comfort as you go forward ..Blessings… Cheryl xx - Posted by: Cheryl ( Johnston) Hargreaves (Grimes children babysitter and friend to the family.) on: Sep 15, 2022
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I was deeply saddened to read of the passing of Mrs Grimes. I first met her when Bruce and I were returning from some oddball adventure we had been on and I was just dropping Bruce off at Star Lk. Mrs Grimes was so welcoming that I ended up not leaving and spent several days there (perhaps to her consternation, though I doubt it). Later, Star Lk became our launching pad and re-entry point for a number of other ill conceived expeditions. She was always there at both ends with a wry smile. I will never forget her hospitality. - Posted by: Tom Saunders (Friend of Bruce andvDeb) on: Sep 07, 2022
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My sincere condolences go out to Michael, Ruth, Caroline, James, Sara and rhe rest of the Grimes family. I had the pleasure to work for Michael and Ruth as a nanny to their children. Dana welcomed me with open arms. You could see the love in her eyes when she was around the children. She was a wonderful woman and I am very privileged to say that I knew her. Rest in Peace Dana, you will be missed. Love Michelle ❤ - Posted by: Michelle Kiliwnik- Tanner (Nanny to Caroline,James and Sara Grimes) on: Sep 03, 2022
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MY deepest condolences to you all, Liz & I were friends for almost 75 years, and I have so very many happy memories of her & of the family. To my kids she was "Aunty Liz" , and they too have many happy. memories. Wendy reminded me of some of them, when we spoke earlier today.I always looked forward to my times with Liz & missed her annual winter visits to Victoria to escape Winnipeg winers. Hugs and love to Wendy, Bruce & Michael.."Aunty Shirley" - Posted by: Shirley Roberts (long time friend) on: Sep 03, 2022
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Liz was a very memorable Mom in my childhood growing up in St Vital. She was funny, tough, sarcastic, and told it the way she saw it! Raising four kids, returning to work at mid life in a new job as an OR nurse… not to be underestimated! I have lots of fun memories of her, and she was a strong anchor for her family. My parents, Jim and Alice, had tons of fun with the Grimes, and we had great lake visits as well in the summer. It’s a big loss…my sincere condolences to Mike, Wendy, Doug and families. Jeff Sisler - Posted by: Jeff Sisler (Friend) on: Sep 03, 2022
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We were fortunate to grow up with the Grimes family in our neighbourhood. Mrs. Grimes was a joy to be around and I always looked forward to her often humorous “take” on current events. A highlight of our summer was an annual visit to the Grimes cottage on Star Lake. Mrs. Grimes kept a guest book to chronicle all the visitors over the years. Sincere condolences to Michael, Wendy, Doug Jr and their families. - Posted by: Murray Sisler (Family friend) on: Sep 03, 2022
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To all the Grimes Family I send my deepest condolences and many hugs. I knew "Mrs Grimes" when I was a young girl and the Grimes family lived down the street and I went to school with Bruce. Later in my education I had the great, and I do mean great, fortune to be mentored by "Liz" in the OBGYN OR at the HSC. I was so thankful to have her help me at that time. When I was working at HSC and still going to university, I would see Liz, as she was then, and Doug at the Reh-Fit Center early in the morning working out and get to hear about their most recent adventures, catch up on the family as we ran around and around. I last saw Liz at the Canoe Club and we had a lovely though short natter. Liz was a wonderful woman and she will be missed. I am fortunate to have known her. - Posted by: Sidney Macaw (Friend of family) on: Sep 03, 2022
