ELIZABETH GRANT

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I. ELIZABETH (BETH) GRANT (nee RITCHIE) June 16, 1924 - April 11, 2015 It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Beth Grant. Beth peacefully left this world on April 11, 2015 with her cherished family at her side. The unexpected passing of our mother has left us in deep grief. She displayed grace and dignity throughout all aspects of her life and was such a grounded and loving mother who gave us a sense of peace and security even in her dying days. Beth is deeply mourned by her children Carole of Winnipeg, Tannis (Tom) of Los Angeles, Elaine (Ralph) of Winnipeg and Buzz (Genevieve) of Winnipeg; her cherished grandchildren, Lisa (Rob) of Brandon, Kelly, Katie, Tommy (Christina) and Margaret of Los Angeles, Harrison, Holly and Heather of Winnipeg; and her adored great-grandchildren Sam and Sydney of Brandon, Grace and Natalie of Los Angeles and Mackenzie of Los Angeles; along with a loving and supportive extended family in England, Winnipeg and British Columbia. Our loving Dad predeceased Mom in 2002. Mom was so happy to live on our beautiful prairie and was a very proud Canadian. She was born in Winnipeg and lived many of her early years in Transcona with her dear brother Bill, who predeceased her in 2007. These formative years provided Mom with wonderful life-long friends, as did her years living in St. James. Mom excelled in her education and had a life-long love of learning. She received the Governor General's Academic Medal at the end of her high school years. After high school she worked at Hudson's Bay House in Winnipeg. She was approached by Brigdens Agency to model and many of her photos can be seen in the catalogues and newspapers of that era. Immediately post the Second World War, Mom met our wonderful Father, Harold Walker Grant. They married in 1946 and lived in Veterans' Village at the University of Manitoba while Dad earned his engineering degree. She was the strong, supportive woman behind the successful man as our father's career flourished and he ultimately became the Chairman of the Board of Standard Aero. Mom tirelessly worked to raise four successful children. Her love was all-encompassing and her concern for others didn't stop at her family. She filled our lives with amazing family dinners, sumptuous homemade birthday cakes, beautifully tailored clothing creations, fun-filled vacations and travel and extraordinary family occasions. Mom instilled in her children a love of art and creativity. She was a remarkable gardener even into her 91st year and the yard at her home of 51 years could be described as a mature urban park. Mom was a thoroughly genuine, kind and loving woman devoted to her family. She taught us well and filled our lives with joy. Mom delighted in taking her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to the ballet, symphony and opera. She was a huge supporter of and contributor to the arts in her home town. As well, she and Dad were founding members of Silver Heights United Church. Mom never let the world move quickly past her. She remained current on all economic, political, social and current issues. Her beautiful mind kept learning about and absorbing the world around her until her last day. She was a perfect combination of traditional and forward-thinking, being a big supporter of many current rights issues. Mom met each day with a smile and had a wonderful sense of humour. Her last words of advice to us in her dying hours were, "Live the longest life you can... because life is beautiful." The family would like to express our deep gratitude to Verna of Comforts of Home and Andrea Cormier and the entire staff of 3N at Grace Hospital for their remarkable caregiving. Mom adored the passage "The kiss of the sun for pardon, the song of the birds for mirth, one is nearer God's heart in a garden than anywhere else on earth" (God's Garden, Dorothy Frances Gurney). In lieu of flowers we ask that you consider supporting the Assiniboine Park Conservancy. There will be a private family interment and celebration of our dear Mother's life. Chapel Lawn www.chapellawn.ca 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 18, 2015