GRACE BISSETT (HJALTASON)

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GRACE BISSETT (nee HJALTASON) It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Grace Laura Bissett, at the Grace General Hospital, on Thursday, July 21, 2005, at the age of 78 years, after living a full and meaningful life. Grace was born on February 12, 1927 to Dr. Magnus and Laura Hjaltason in Glenboro, MB. As one of five children of a country doctor, she moved to communities throughout the Interlake and had fond memories of her time spent in each. Mom was the second youngest child in a family of four daughters and one son, and she developed very close ties to her siblings, (Margaret Toomer, Bjorg Martin, John Hjaltason, and Pearl Mawhinney) that lasted through their lifetimes. She talked often of her many fond memories growing up with her family, which have now all predeceased her. Mom was an excellent student and had a high level of academic attainment. From this success came an interest in teaching that became her chosen profession where she met and married Ronald Bissett. Mom and Dad made Thunder Bay their home where they enjoyed the Ontario landscape and nature which they both liked to portray through art. She became an accomplished artist and received recognition through several awards. Despite an interruption in her career to raise a family, and after Dad's passing in 1972, Mom returned to Winnipeg and resumed a career in teaching as a nursery school teacher in the Westwood area. Mom maintained a residence in Westwood for over 30 years. One of her greatest source of satisfaction in life was her ability to live independently in her home up until the time of her passing. Throughout her role as mother, teacher, auntie and grandmother, Mom always continuously displayed her love, interest and support to all the children she came to know in various roles. From asking about children she taught 25 years ago to her ongoing interest in her grandchildren, she always had something good to say about all. Her most treasured part of her life included the love of her children, Donald Baril-Bissett and Krista Bissett; and grandchildren, Thomas, Jessica, Rheana and Addison. Whenever she could she would like to sneak in a little bragging to those who knew her. Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated on Thursday, July 28 at 11:30 a.m. in St. Charles Roman Catholic Church, 320 St. Charles Street with Rev. Fr. Terance P. McGrath presiding. Interment will follow in Glen Eden Cemetery, 4477 Main Street. In lieu of flowers, donations in Grace's memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 6 Donald Street, Suite 200, Winnipeg, MB R3L 0K6 or the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, 119 Marion Street, Winnipeg, MB R2H 0T2. WOJCIK'S ALL BELIEFS FAITHS FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM 897 - 4665

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 26, 2005