M. Grace (Kelly) late of Abbotsford passed away January 19, 2007 at MSA Hospital. Mom is survived by the following children: Karen (George) McLeod, Kathy McNabb, Pat (Phil) Cruickshanks, Gordon (Kathy) Bird, and Jacqueline Bird. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren: Natasha (Dan) Allen, Trevor (Sarah) McLeod, Lorri, Tricia and Lesli McNabb, Jolene, Matthew (Jodi), Patrick (Cassie) and Kelly Vanthuyne, Jeremy (Lisa), Jenni, David and Adam Bird, as well as 6 great grandchildren.
Grace was predeceased by her husband Phil, son Kelly and brother Bob Kelly.
Grace was born February 21, 1924 in Imperial, Saskatchewan. As a young girl she enjoyed many country dances, Chautauquas and sports days in surrounding districts. She played the piano for many years earning her Grade eight in music.
Mom felt fortunate to have grown up in Imperial with an extended family and friends she treasured always. In her later years she would call her old friends for extensive telephone visits which she enjoyed immensely.
Mom taught school and later worked at the Power Corporation in Regina. It was at the Power Corporation that she met our dad Philip Bird. In 1953 they moved to Imperial where she had a busy life raising six children. In 1971 the family moved to Clearbrook, BC where the youngest three children completed their growing up years.
While in Saskatchewan Mom was a member of the Order of Eastern Star, participated in various community events and particularly enjoyed curling and its related activities with family and friends. Later, in Abbotsford she became an avid bowler and fan of the Toronto Blue Jays. In their retirement Mom and Dad spent many happy hours together, some of which were at the race track and traveling with friends. Mom’s 80th birthday was celebrated at Fraser Downs where a race was named in her honour.
Mom was always proud of and interested in her grandchildren and loved their visits and hearing about their various life decisions, adventures and pending family additions.
Mom had a sense of humor and was always willing to embrace new things. She was a techno wizard, signing her first WebTV emails with ‘Love, Your Web Momma’. Not for her the blinking VCR, she could program her 2 VCRs, her DVD player and her telephones. Mom is lovingly remembered for her positive outlook, being a ‘nighthawk’ and her uncomplaining demeanor in the face of chronic health problems.
The family would like to thank Dr. Mike Campbell, the caring hospital staff, the home care workers, and the others who brightened her days. The care and concern she received from these individuals is a testament to Mom’s ability to make friends wherever she was. We feel fortunate that all of us got to be with Mom in her last hours.
In keeping with her request there will be a family service at Victory Memorial Gardens at a later date.
Woodlawn Funeral Home
604-853-2643