Colby – Mrs. Grace

1922 – 2017

With treasured memories held close to their hearts, the family of Grace Marie Colby (nee: Patrick), sadly announced her passing on February 8, 2017 at the age of 95 years.

Grace was born on January 23, 1922 in Esterhazy, SK, to Annie (nee: Knezacek) & Frank Patrick. She arrived in Big River with her family in 1939. In 1940 Grace married the love of her life, Carl Colby, thus began the legacy of the Colby family.

Grace always kept busy with her many enjoyable activities throughout the years. She loved knitting and sewing many projects like wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, figure skating costumes, Halloween costumes, patching blue jeans and yes even sewing a Kayak cover! She could knit mittens and socks quicker than anyone.

 Grace also sold Avon for numerous years, spoiling all of her family and friends with gifts. She was greatly involved with her community. Grace volunteered in many capacities such as in her Church, School Board, Town Council, rink, Red Hat Ladies, Royal Purple (of which was a life member), UCW, and many more too numerous to mention.

Grace’s family will remember her wonderful cooking, which was very tasty and plentiful. Coming to grandma’s house meant the wonderful smell of baked buns, blueberry pie, cabbage rolls, hot soup, and of course her cinnamon buns. Grace even cooked for the B.C.D. Catering Company with her friends, where they had catered to Weyerhaeuser for 1000 people.

Grace was an avid sports fan, especially hockey and curling. She was always taking in her grandkids sporting events, where she was a very enthusiastic spectator. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, and sharing stories with them.

Grace had a huge open heart, and hospitable spirit. She was known to welcome new community members into her home from ministers, mill workers and teachers, and give them a place to stay and spoil them with goodies.

Grace loved playing cards with her group of ladies who met regularly to play. This close-knit group shared many bus trips together and many laughs.  

 

Grace raised 8 children and did it with little money in those days and a small house. She ran an organized house and instilled in her children a good work ethic, to believe in God, be generous and help others. Grace spoke her mind and kept current with happenings of the world and Government, and never hesitated to share her opinion and speak up for what she believed.

Grace spent her last few years at the Shellbrook Nursing Home. She embraced her new home and made many friends. She developed a love for painting and assuming the role of “Artist” as her latest accolade in life. She blessed her family with wonderful pieces of art in various mediums.

Grace didn’t preach faith- she lived it. Her time here on earth has been more than anyone could have asked for. When we are sad, and we will be, let’s go through our memories one by one. Treasure them and know we were loved by this great lady.

Grace is lovingly survived by her children and grandchildren: Lynne Colby; Ruth (Don) Scott and family, Jill (Dave): Andrea (Shane) and children, Eva, Arabella, Simone and Victoria: Robert (Stacey) and children, Abigail and Janelle; Don Colby and his family, Roland & Wilson; Laverne (Pat) Rawlick and family, Kevin (Patti) and children, Ellie, Grace and Blake: Krista (Jason) and children, Olivia and Nikolas:   Kimberly (Lee) and children, Alexandra and Meric; Marina (Avill) Dahl and family,  Ryan and his daughter Cinnia: Chad (Emma): Myka (Jeff); Leah (Dan) Scriven and family, Kari (Jamie) and children, Ethan, Alexis and Mason: Janene and her son, Lincoln; Elizabeth (Cliff) Levandoski and family, Sheila-Anne (Evan) and children, Maddy and Ellie; Collin (Cayla) and family, James (Emily): Quinn (Brittany) and children Isiah and Ryder: Tegan (Sara). Her siblings: Caroline; Robert (Catherine); Hazel (Dick);  Hope (Gordon);  Gail; Her sister-in-law: Mary; Her brother-in-law: Dick; An abundance of nieces, nephews, other relatives, countless friends.

 

She is predeceased by: Her parents, Frank and Annie Patrick (nee: Knezacek); Her grandson, Carl Colby Jr. July, 1997; Her husband, Carl Colby, December, 2001; Her brothers and sister, Gordon, Wilmot, Winston, Jim and Dorothy.

• Date : 2017-02-08