GRACE HOOD

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GRACE HOOD Suddenly, on December 19, 2004, Grace Hood, beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin and friend completed this life's journey at Carberry Health Centre. The second of five children, Grace was born at Asquith in Saskatchewan October 31, 1917 to Pearl (Bennet) and John Naylor. She is survived by her sister Nellie Manns, her brother Art Naylor and her half brother Johnny Naylor. Her sisters, Mae Baker, Audrey Duncan, and her granddaughter Margaret Hood predeceased her. When her mother died, Grace was brought home by her school teacher Jean Hood to live with Ed and Maggie Hood on their farm in the Fairview district. Grace Naylor and Wallace Hood were married in 1935. Her beloved husband and partner died in 1998. Grace continued to live on the family farm until her death. Grace was possessed of a happy and joyous spirit. She was also gifted with the soul of an artist. She loved beauty, and delighted in showing her family and friends the beauty around them - a glorious sunset, a hidden bird's nest, a pebble which, when licked, revealed its colours. In her presence, life became more vibrant. Grace's home was a warm and welcoming place. A cup of tea and Grandma's biscuits served using fine china and real linen, or an invitation to share a meal and good conversation were part of the special person she was. Often this included a tour of her treasures. Her artistry and craftsmanship was expressed in all forms of needlework. In her lifetime she sewed, embroidered, made and dressed dolls, crocheted, knit, hooked rugs, cross-stitched and quilted. Quilts were a particular passion. Grace was a traditional quilter with both design and workmanship being paramount. Many of her designs were original - chosen from nature, a beautiful picture on a card or a picture in a book she had seen. She loved to incorporate beads, ribbons, lace, etc. into her designs. Grace's hand-stitched quilting patterns were as beautiful on the reverse as on the front. Grace loved collecting - shoes, spoon patterns, linens, jugs, old bottles, coloured glass, shells and many more. Grace was beloved by her family and friends. To quote one of them, She was a true lady. She always made everyone feel so special and she was always interested in our lives. During her time on earth she passed on her 87 years of wisdom, unconditional acceptance and love. She shared and taught to others her gifts of making a home beautiful, of hospitality, of needlework and of quilting to her friends, family and community. Grace is remembered by her three sons and their families, E. Barry (Peggy Gordon), grandchildren, Mark (Shelley), David (Dominique), Thomas; son Gordon (Sandra Fenton), grandchildren, Colleen (Gerard), Greg (Heather), Justin; son W. Bruce (Lynne Humphreys), grandchildren, Lisa (Scott) and Kevin (Erin); 12 precious great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews and their families; cousins and their families; her special friend Margaret Hood and friends and neighbours. Grace was a lifetime member of the United Church. Her memorial was held December 22 in Carberry United Church with Rev. Peggy Reid officiating. Colleen Hood gave the eulogy Lessons from Grandma. Grace was interred in the Carberry Plains Cemetery beside her husband Wallace and granddaughter Margaret. Special thanks to Rev. Peggy Reid, Carberry United Church and Choir; to Drs. Ward and Beveridge; to the staff of the Carberry Health Centre and to White's Funeral Home.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 05, 2005