Obituary of Grace Jessie Abs

Grace passed away peacefully on November 22, 2022, nearly 98, bright and lucid.  Daughter of Edith and Wilson Omand of Wellesley, Ontario.  Loving wife of Walter for 54 years.  Survived by sister Marj Fraser.  Adored by daughter Susan, son Brian (Karen), grandchildren Dillon and Devon, and extended family and friends in Ont. and B.C. Grace is deeply appreciated as a bright, fun and engaging Sister, Mom, Nana, Aunt and Great/Great Aunt, and a generous friend and neighbour to many.

“Amazing Grace” lived a long, rich and healthy life for nearly a century.  She graduated in nursing at Hamilton General Hospital in 1947, working at K-W Hospital and Sunnyside Care Home.  She was a teenage Farmerette during WWII, Probus member, Brownie leader and Rotary volunteer. Her superpowers included keen listening skills, an extraordinary memory, and lively sense of humour.  She embodied joie de vivre (love of life!), being especially passionate about visits to B.C. family, jazz music, travel, dancing and the outdoors. She loved to walk, drove until 90, and lived on her own for 17 years after losing her dance partner Walt.  Everywhere was her “happy place”, but bliss was: road trips; big family dinners and picnics; playing with grandkids; friends and a “G&T” by the lake; and spirited bridge club nights. Jazz fuelled her spirit and soothed her soul.

Though petite in stature, Grace was a force of nature that lit up the room and the lives of all who met her. Words from friends, family, and care-givers include: incredible, full of energy, friendly, kind, strong, determined, caring, thoughtful, curious, intelligent, positive, a bright light, classy, comfortable wherever she was, good companion, radiant being, a blessing to us, special person who touched many, great memories of her smile and laughter, we cherish her still. She will live on in the memory all whose paths she crossed, inspiring us to listen deeply, love well, and brighten the world around us wherever we go.

Heartfelt thanks to Dr. Heather Dixon, Dr. Mohan Babapulle, and staff of Luther Village-Sunshine Centre and Lanark Heights Care Home. Visitation will be Jan. 13, 2023 at Erb and Good Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo, with a private Celebration of Life Jan. 14. Cremated remains will be interred alongside Walt in Parkview Cemetery. Memorial donations to St. Mary’s (cardiac) or Grand River Hospital Foundations are welcome.

Here’s to Life!