GODMAIRE: Grace Edwina, formerly of Riverheights Terrace, passed away peacefully at Valleyview Care Centre on Friday, January 7, 2022 at the age of 91 years. Grace was born in Winnipeg, then moved to Douglas as a child to attend school and live with her cousins and grandparents while her parents worked on various farms. War time brought Grace and her mother to Brandon, where she attended Earl Oxford School while her dad was overseas. Her pride and joy, Clifford McKaig was born May 22, 1948, who she raised on her own with the help of family until her married Maurice Godmaire in February of 1961. Unable to have children, and wanting a big family, Grace and Maurice soon adopted their daughters Diana in June 1961 and Lorelei in 1965, and fostered Celina “Chickie” and Juliette. Grace was a woman ahead of her time, she loved people, especially the Aboriginal culture and traditions, and could never understand the treatment of the Aboriginal people. Grace was one of the founding members of the Brandon Friendship Centre, along with Eva McKay of Sioux Valley, Jean Halliday and Audrey Silvius of Brandon, and worked tirelessly for the betterment of all people. The family moved to Minnedosa in 1967 and then Thompson in 1976, when Grace accepted a position with Northern Affairs. Grace then went to Medical Services in the early 1980’s; a position she kept until her retirement. Grace loved the North, Setting Lake was her piece of heaven. The friendships she made lasting a lifetime. Grace returned to Brandon after Maurice’s passing, spending time with family was her favourite pastime. Grace was predeceased by her parents Andrew in 1997 and Diana in 2001; husband Maurice in 2005; and daughter Celina in 2006. She is survived by son Cliff (Patti); daughters Diana (Richard), Lorelei and Juliette (Bob); and grandchildren Loralee, Michelle, Lindsay, Jesse, Kayla and Cody. The Celebration of Grace’s Life will take place at a later date. Donations in memory of Grace may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 185 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, MB R3C 2B7.
To Those I Love
When I am gone,
release me, let me go,
You mustn’t tie yourself
to me with tears.
Just be happy that we had
so many years.
I gave you my love,
you can only guess,
how much you gave to me
in happiness.
I thank you for the love
you each have shown,
But now it’s time
I traveled alone.
So grieve a while for me,
if grieve you must,
Then let your grief
be comforted by trust.
It’s only for a while
that we must part,
So bless the memories
within your heart.
I won’t be far away,
for life goes on,
So if you need me,
call, and I will come.
Though you can’t see,
or touch, I’ll be near
And if you listen
with your heart, you’ll hear
All of my love around you,
soft and clear.
And then, when you must come
this way alone.
I’ll greet you with a smile,
and say
“Welcome Home”