The family of GRACE COLEMAN is sad to announce her passing after a very brave fight on Sunday, March 4, 2018 at the age of 74 years. She went peacefully surrounded by her family, and did everything her way to the very end.

Grace was the third of seven children born at home in rural Northern Ontario to Chester and Edith Coleman on June 18, 1943. She grew up with her family on their small homestead and always had many fond memories of those times. In 1985, Grace moved to Lethbridge and after the birth of her only grandchild, made it her permanent home. She worked many, many years in the retail industry and loved her many customers that she served and grew to know over the years.

Grace is survived by her partner Neil Frandsen; her three daughters Val Twain (Fernando), Veronica Twain (Larry) and Viola Twain (Sean), and her beloved grandson Cleve Miyashiro (Micha), who was the apple of her eye. Grace is also survived by her six siblings, Morris (Thelma), Marg (Ed), Cliff (Ruth), Edie (Vic), Ron (Deb) and Glenn (Suzanne). 

Grace was so excited when Cleve was born and she became a grandmother.  She was so proud of that fact that she had a grandchild and was the best grandmother ever to Cleve.  Mom also had many things she loved to do in life. She could play cards for hours on end if she could find someone to play with; at family gatherings, after the big meal was cooked and the dishes cleaned, out came the games and cards and we would all play for hours. We all have such great memories of those times. In her retirement, Mom joined a couple of cribbage clubs and absolutely loved playing in their weekly tournaments. She was a formidable cribbage player and won many of those weekly tournaments.  Mom also loved gardening and making things grow.  Camping and cookouts were also some of her favourite things. 

For those of you that knew Grace, you will understand what we mean when we say that she was a force to be reckoned with. Mom was decisive yet open-minded, firm yet fair and always loved us girls no matter what crazy stunts we tried to pull. She said what she meant and she always followed through on her word. It was very hard to put one over on her – not like we didn’t try, but we usually failed. Thank you for that, Mom!

In 1998, Mom went through her first struggle with breast cancer and fought bravely and fearlessly, ultimately coming out on top. For nearly 20 years she remained cancer-free; however, it returned recently and she fought once more, and was cancer-free at the time of her passing. She was courageous in her most recent health challenges and was a strong woman who never complained. In fact, her biggest concern was that her being sick would put everyone else’s life in turmoil. Mom, for such a tiny lady, you had a big, strong, unflinching reality about what you were going through and you were tough as nails.

We wish to thank everyone who helped our family through that last long day in the hospital. The ER staff, Dr. Buck and nurse Dawn – you guys were awesome, thank you. The staff of 4B, you guys were kind and compassionate during Mom’s very brief stay, and we truly appreciate that. We also wish to send a huge thank you to the ICU nurses and Dr. Morley Wong. Nurse Charity, you are a rare gem and the care and attention you showed our Mom will never be forgotten. Dr. Wong, thank you for your kind and honest guidance, and for letting us honour mom’s  last wishes. We also want to thank Uncle Ron and Aunt Deb who were with us that entire last day; you guys were our rock and we are so thankful for your presence when we needed you more than any other time in our lives.

Per Grace’s wishes, there will be no service. The family will be holding a Private Celebration of Grace’s Life and scattering of her ashes.

 

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

• Date : 2018-03-04