McBURNEY, Grace Elizabeth
July 26, 1927 – January 22, 2014
Peacefully at Avalon Care Centre, Orangeville on Wednesday, January 22, 2014 in her 87th year. Predeceased by her beloved husband Jim (Robert James), brothers George, David and parents Andrew and Margaret Foster, parents-in-law W.H. and Ruth McBurney. Grace leaves her loving children Robert (Cheryl) of London, Joan (Don Sauve) of Kenora, Bruce (Tiphanie) of Acton, Peggie (Mark vanTrigt) of Orangeville; Grandchildren Josh and Monica, Matthew and Ivy, Michelle and Josh, Danielle and Tyson, Oaklynn and Stephen, Brianna, Alec, Xander, Gloria and Pixie; Great-Grandchildren Madeline, Samuel, Benjamin, Oliver, Hayden and Dreah. Grace also leaves sisters in-law Marjory (Ronald Kelland) Sault Ste Marie and Elizabeth, Owen Sound, brother in-law Warren (June) Oakville and many nieces and nephews.
Born and raised in London, Ontario by soft-spoken Irish immigrant parents, Grace was the little sister to her two loving brothers. Grace met Jim at Western University while studying nursing. After working in Brantford as a Victoria Order Nurse, she returned to London to marry Jim in 1952 at Central Baptist Church. They settled in Orangeville and with Graces unending support established Jim’s medical practice. Together they raised 4 children and by example nurtured a faith in God, enjoyment of family times, appreciation of nature and to be loving and charitable. They spent their summers at the family cottage on Lake Huron.
Grace had a gentle Irish spirit and was committed to giving her time. Attending Tweedsmuir Presbyterian Church, she was active in children’s and women’s ministries, Achill and church choirs developing family-like friends. She volunteered at the hospital tuck shop and was a lay chaplain. Grace curled in the women’s league for many years and together with Jim enjoyed singing, skiing, hiking and travelling to visit family.
Mom and Dad are together again and singing with the choir of angels.
Family will receive friends on Friday, January 31, 2014 at Dods & McNair Funeral Home & Chapel, 21 First St, Orangeville (519 941 1392) from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.
Funeral Service will be held at Tweedsmuir Presbyterian Church, 6 John St., Orangeville on Saturday, February 1st, 2014 at 11:00 a.m.
Interment Forest Lawn Cemetery.
At the family’s request, donations may be made to Highlands Youth for Christ or Tweedsmuir Presbyterian Church.
A tree will be planted in memory of Grace in the Dods & McNair Memorial Forest at the Island Lake Conservation Area, Orangeville. A dedication service will be held on Sunday, September 14th, 2014 at 2:30 p.m.