Obituary of Grace Dorothy Douglas

Grace Dorothy Douglas (nee Dubitz) "Terry" April 10, 1938 - February 11, 2017 With extremely heavy hearts and endless tears we are so incredibly sorry to announce the tragic and sudden passing of our much beloved mother, grandmother and sister on February 11, 2017. Grace was predeceased by her husband Jim in October of 2012. She missed her life's partner so much in the years since his passing; we now take some comfort that they are together again, dancing and laughing in the stars. Theirs was a love story for all time, a shining example of commitment, trust and love for all of us who remain behind to live and learn by. Grace leaves behind her much loved family; daughter Pamela (husband Scott and stepsons Brodie and Braiden), son Clint and girlfriend Lissa, as well as her Japanese grandson, Toru Nanami. Her relationship with Pamela's children, Nicholas and Jordan van Essen, was the most special. It transcended the meaning of any grandparent/grandchild bond. Her entire being was always full of love and pride for them. Her gentle words of imparted wisdom and unfaltering support maintained a constant throughout their lives. Like a creek in the springtime, her heart overflowed…like a chickadee in the winter…her heart sang with so much love for them both. Tis truly an immeasurable loss… Grace also leaves behind her Alberta siblings; brothers Peter (Gail), Harold (Anne), Gibb (Gail), sisters Rose, Lorna (Gary), Rachel (Ken), Genevieve and her numerous nieces and nephews and their families. She will also be very missed by her Scotland family; brother-in-law Charles (Anna), sister-in-law Catherine, and their families. She cherished her memories of returning to Scotland a few years ago and held them very dear to her heart. She had lost some of her family members along her life's journey; brothers Johnny, Tommy, and Patrick, sisters Patricia, Helen and Mary. Her mother and father, Louis and Mary Dubitz, had passed when Grace was a young adult. In addition, she felt the loss of her brother-in-law Sandy, and sister-in-law Jean, both from Scotland. Grace had many friends who will all miss her laughter, sense of humour and humanity. She was a friend to hold on to for life with her sense of loyalty and compassion, of which she extended to all. Her energy and vigor for life never skipped a beat, was steadfast, no matter what the situation. She was always "present" to talk with, to share a laugh and a good joke with, to hold someone's hand to comfort them in their time of need, or in their darkest hours. She could always be counted on… Grace was born in Bashaw, Alberta on April 10, 1938 to what would become one of the largest families in the community. As they were farmers, she learned to work hard and be responsible at a very early age. Even through all the difficult hardships they faced during the 2nd World War and ensuing years, she remained thankful for all that they had, and sorry for all that had less. Her recollections and stories of "life on the farm" were always colorful and memorable. Through all of this, Grace's character maintained its fierce independence and with a strong sense of adventure she set out from the farm at an early age. She never looked back and by some standards, was ahead of her time. Her love of singing took her to the stage and singing with Kitty Wells on the radio. She had Nashville dreams but never got that far unfortunately. Grace had a beautiful voice which she shared with us often. Her travels took her to BC and back to Alberta, to the Northwest Territories and eventually to northern Saskatchewan. It was there, in Uranium City, that she met Jim Douglas. He was a big charming Scotsman who drove a jaguar and stole her heart, what more can you say… Grace and Jim, Pam and Clint moved to Kimberley in 1980. Grace made a home for them while working in the community in various capacities. She ended up being employed at "The Pines" for many years before retiring from her position there. She grew to love this area that we live in and admired and appreciated "our beautiful valley" constantly. In her retired years, she gardened in her gorgeous yard in Marysville, spent time with her family and friends, befriended all the visiting birds and dogs and traveled when she could make time for it. A Celebration of Grace's life and all that she stood for will be held on Sunday, July 2, 2017 at 1:30 pm at McPherson Funeral Home in Cranbrook. Bring your best stories and a sense of humour as she would have wanted this for us all. Every Tear a Memory…we love you Mom… Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service. Condolences for the family can be offered at: www.mcphersonfh.com