We are so sad to announce the passing of Grace Lorene Taylor, our loving and devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was surrounded by family and sleeping peacefully when she left us on Monday, June 10, 2019.

Grace was born in Bassano, AB on December 12, 1931 to David and Ella May McClelland and had fond memories of growing up on the prairies with her five brothers and sisters, often mentioning the times she and her dad rode the horse to school.

Her first job was with the Bluffton Central Alberta Dairy Pool which, thankfully, transferred her to Brooks, AB, where she met and married her best friend and love, Derek Richard Taylor, in 1952. (He predeceased her in 2003.)

They moved to Grande Prairie, AB where they raised their family of five children. She worked alongside Derek at the Grande Prairie School District and took an active role in her community, supporting many charities and fundraisers. One of her favourites being the QEII Hospital Festival of Trees.

An avid golfer and active member of the Grande Prairie Golf and Country Club, she took particular interest in the junior girls’ golf program, encouraging young women to take up the sport.

Grace knew how to live and enjoy life. She was pretty good at bridge but was better at Scrabble. She skated, cross country skied and loved watching her sons and grandkids play hockey. Of course, she was a Grande Prairie Storm fan. Yes, she cheered for the Blue Jays, and Bingo was okay by her, too.

A talented seamstress, quilter and porcelain doll maker, Grace loved her greenhouse and could handle a skill saw. Her sage advice ranged from “never bet on a gray horse” to always play “ready” golf.

Her life was filled with people to love, and things to do. It sounds old fashioned but then, that’s Grace: love of family, strong values, and a solid work ethic. If you asked, she’d tell you, that’s really all you ever need.

She is mother of Gary (Marg), Debbie (Rod), Diane (Jim), Robert (Sandy), and Pam; proud grandmother of Cory (Lauriane), Kim (Ryan), Matthew, Jessica, Jennifer, Michael (Krystin) and Kaitlin; and great-grandma to Taylor (Aaron) and Lincoln. She’s deeply missed by her sister Jean Clarke and her sister in-law Renie Dickinson and her many nieces, nephews, friends and family.

Grace was predeceased by her parents Dave and Ella McClelland; sister Dorothy; brothers: Dave, Bill and Bob; and infant sisters Eva and Arlene.

We thank the staff and care givers at Prairie Lakes Hospice, as well as Dr. James Pope and the staff at QEII Hospital for the care and compassion they gave to Grace, in her final days.

Cremation has taken place and a family memorial celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations can be made to the charity of your choice.