Mealy: With family by her side, Grace Elizabeth Mealy passed away peacefully on July 16, 2022 at the Souris Personal Care home.
Grace Elizabeth Paterson was born at Neepawa on September 8, 1931. She lived at Gladstone and Portage la Prairie, receiving her education at the Portage schools. She attended the Tuxedo Normal School in 1948 to 1949 to receive her teacher training. After leaving Normal School, her first teaching position was at Richview School south of Boissevain, and then at Elgin two years later. Grace then taught at Boissevain School for 32 years which included Grades 7 & 8 English. Grace’s passion was her teaching career which included teaching English, Art and Drama classes and Square Dancing for festival competitions.
Grace met Ivan Hudson Mealy of Fairfax and married on March 5, 1955 in Portage la Prairie. Grace and Ivan resided on the Mealy homestead founded by Ivan’s great grandfather William Mealy, who immigrated from the Isle of Man. This same farm was declared a Centennial farm by the Manitoba Historical Society in 1998. Grace was a Past Noble Grand at Countess Rebekah Lodge No. 32, Elgin, a member of Trinity United Church, Portage la Prairie, a member of Fairfax and Elgin community clubs, a long-time member of the Canadian Order of Foresters, and a member of both Elgin and Minto Curling Clubs.
Grace had a special fondness for her handiwork, gardening and her flowers. She worked along side Ivan on the farm where she was dedicated to the fruits of her labours. Grace was a loving mother to her daughter Marvie, and her son Trevor, a loving grandmother to her grandsons Stirling, Taylor and Hudson, who spent many days on the farm with Grandma and Grandpa. In the summer, Grace and Ivan camped at nearby lakes and travelled in the winter to warmer climates, such as Palm Springs, Phoenix, Hawaii and Vancouver Island, BC. An exciting time for Grace was an Alaskan cruise for all of her family to be together for her 80th birthday. Mum and Dad were honoured as King and Queen of the Cruise for being the oldest couple on the dance floor.
Grace is survived by her daughter Marvie of Nanaimo, BC and her son Stirling of Victoria, BC; her son Trevor (Ruth) of Minto, MB, and their sons Taylor and Hudson. She is survived by sister-in-law Yvonne Patterson of Brandon, MB and several nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.
Grace was predeceased by her husband Ivan Hudson Mealy in 2016, parents Bertha Anne and William Paterson of Portage la Prairie; In-laws Fern and Welland Mealy of Fairfax, sisters Jean Maguire and Margaret Olson, brother Guthrie and sister-in-law Gladys Paterson; sister-in-law Doreen Halladay and brothers-in-law Paul Olson, George Maguire, Murray Patterson, Lorne Halladay, nephews Kenneth Olson, Robert Olson, Bill Paterson and niece Lauren Tate.
Grace’s family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Dr. Sopel and the wonderful Souris Personal Care staff, where she received superior care and kindness during her stay there since May 2019. The thoughtfulness, generosity and cheery attitude of the Souris Personal Care Home staff will always be appreciated and remembered.
The celebration of life was held at Souris United Church, Souris, MB on July 22, 2022. Reverend Milo Spooner-Craig officiated. A private interment was held at Rosewood Memorial Gardens on July 22, 2022.
In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations in memory of Grace may be made to the Minto Community Fund, c/o Municipality of Grassland, Box 53, Minto, MB ROK 1M0 or the Souris Health District Foundation, Box 311, Souris, MB R0K 2C0.
Please accept our sympathy on the passing of your Mom, and Grandmother.
We were so sad to hear of Grace’s passing. Without a doubt she will be missed as a mother, grandmother and friend to many. We have such fond memories of the many times we spent together over the years. When Grace was around there were sure to be lots of laughs, lots of food and lots of love. May all of the cherished memories of time spent with one so special give you peace and help you heal from your loss. All our love. Rose-Anne and Joe
Sending condolences to the Mealy family. Grace was an important teacher during my school years and also a great teacher colleague of my mom (Rita Watts). She will be missed by so many.
Trevor, Ruth and family. So sorry to hear about Grace. She was an amazing person who had a zest for life and lived it to her fullest. Think of the number of students that benefitted from her teaching!
So very sorry to hear of Grace’s passing – such a kind and lovely lady! Will miss seeing you at the Souris PCH. Know that we’re thinking of you all at this sad time.
I’m sorry to hear of Grace’s passing. She will be missed by many! My thoughts are with you all. Cherish the memories.
Trevor, Ruth and family,
Sorry to hear of the passing of your mom/grandma. Thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Patricia and Murray Dittmer
Trevor, Marvie and families…..We were so very saddened to hear of your mother and grandmother`s passing.
Grace was a loving, caring and stately lady. We will always cherish the memories of our visits we had with your mother and father over the years, the Keg ones seem to stand out the most.
Rest in peace Grace, your work here on earth is done.
Sincere sympathy to all of Grace’s family from Marge Edgerton and Ardelle Woods
Thinking of Grace’s family with sympathy …. but also thinking of Jean and Grace. Am sure they will continue to be two of the most beautiful best dressed girls, carrying themselves so gracefully wherever they went. May your memories and stories carry on!
Marvie, Trevor and families,
Please accept my sympathy in the passing of your Mother. Before the pandemic I used to visit a friend at Rotary Villa and had several nice visits with your Mother. All your wonderful memories will help you through this difficult time.
Our sincere condolences Marvie and Trevor and families… Grace was such a wonderful lady… and loved by all who knew her… I remember all the good times they had with mom and dad… Thinking of you all….
Gary and Lois (Campbell) Howell
Our deepest sympathy to Trevor, Marvie, and their families. Grace was a wonderful teacher and lady of fine style.
Cathy and Bev Workman
To Marvie and Trevor – I send my deepest condolences on the loss of your dearest Mom. It is so life changing to lose one’s Mother. I lost my mom 15 years ago and I still miss her every day. I like your family, have lots of wonderful memories, but there remains an empty spot in our hearts. God has promised us resurrection and eternal life there is in Jesus Christ. Marvie, I am Violet Dunn. We worked together at the Royal Bank. I retired in Dec 31,2012. I had been a widow for 6 years and wonder of wonders, I got married to David Andrusiek of Brandon in Sept.6, 2013. He is a wonderful man and I feel very blessed to have him in my life. I wish you all the very best today and every day. Iam 80 years old and still going strong enjoying gardening, reading, learning German,and spending time with my daughter Anna (46) and her man and his 4 kids ranging from 10 years to 18 years.
Remembering a great teacher, neighbour, and family friend with much love to you and your families Marvie & Trevor.
Marvie and Trevor and family -remembering old times and thinking of you with sympathy after the loss of Auntie Grace. I hold the utmost respect and gratitude for the impact she had, such an enormous personality that no doubt continues to inspire others. Thinking of her puts a smile on my face. With love, 2nd cousin Tricia Nicks (nee Paterson)