KIRK, Grace Marie
January 17, 1924 – October 14, 2017

Our beloved mother left us on October 14, 2017 after having lived a rich and fulfilling life of over ninety three years. She leaves her children Steve Kirk (Wanda) and Susan Bowerman (Rick Lavigne); grandsons Sam, Joe, Daniel, Derek and Steve; brother Ray (Barb); sister Carol (Karl), and numerous great grandchildren, nephews and nieces.

Grace was the oldest child and was born January 17th, 1924 to John and Mona Naud in Smiths Falls. The family moved to Montreal, QC where Grace attended Saint Augustine of Canterbury School before continuing her education at the Collegiate Institute taking a business course at Taber’s Business School in Smiths Falls. Always a “big city girl” Grace returned to Montreal’s bright lights where she worked as a secretary for various firms including Dominion Bridge and British Overseas Airways.

Her Grandpa Naud, her father John and his two brothers had built one of the earliest cottages on the Lower Rideau Lake near Smiths Falls, and Grace spent many of her youthful summers there. Grace loved the water becoming an accomplished swimmer and springboard diver, she often spoke of the fun she enjoyed at the lake with her many friends, and the dances they would attend at the nearby Rideau Ferry Inn.

Grace met George L. Kirk while he was on leave from the RCAF during the Second World War. Following the war’s end, the couple married moving west to Calgary in 1950. Their marriage failing to produce natural children, the couple instead elected to adopt. Stephen and Susan were fortunate to have been provided a good home and loving, attentive parents. Grace and George would later divorce in 1979, George passing away in 1991. Meanwhile, Grace obtained a receptionist position with the Calgary Board of Education and enjoyed working there until she retired at the age of 65.

During those years Grace loved to travel the world with friends and her sister Carol visiting European destinations and taking the occasional cruise. Grace considered herself a "people" person who always had a kind word, a sincere smile and a great sense of humor that went hand in hand with a unique laugh that instantly let you know when mom was present in a room. Grace developed many special friendships that she carefully maintained throughout her long life including her unwavering dedication to God and the Catholic faith.

An artist who loved to dabble in oil painting in her adult life, many of Grace’s work hang in the homes of her children, relatives and friends although her true gift was her ability to enrich the lives of those about her with love, friendship, and laughter. Mother, we have been so very blessed to have known you.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Anthony's Catholic Parish (5340 4 St SW, Calgary, AB) on Friday October 27, 2017 at 10:30 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Chinook Hospice in Calgary will be greatly appreciated

To view and share photos, condolences and stories of Grace please visit www.choicememorial.com. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Choice Memorial Cremation & Funeral Services (403) 277-7343.