Grace attended the University of Alberta, where she received a BSc with Honours in Physics, a rare achievement for a woman at that time. After graduation, Grace worked on a project researching the “V” particle with the US Atomic Energy Commission.
In 1951, Grace married Pat Byrne, with whom she enjoyed 58.5 happy years. They had three children: Jimmy (deceased at 2.5), Sheila (deceased at 53), and Michael. In 1957, Grace and her family moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, for seven years before returning to Calgary, Canada. Upon their return to Calgary, Grace enrolled in the computer science program at the University of Alberta, becoming a pioneer in the world of computer programming. She worked as a system analyst for a Calgary-based engineering firm.
In 1971, Grace and Pat moved to Canmore, AB, where they bought and ran a motel for five years. Wherever Grace lived, she was always very involved in the community. While in Canmore, Grace was a school trustee for eight years and worked as a writer and editor for the local newspaper, *The Canmore Miner*.
Grace and Pat moved to Salt Spring Island in 1983. Grace was elected to the School Board and continued as a member from 1985 to 1993. She also served one term on the Islands Trust from 1993 to 1996. Grace’s community experience enabled her to serve on the Salt Spring Library Board, eventually becoming Head Librarian. She took that expertise with her when she moved to the Meadowbrook Seniors Residence and updated and organized the library there as well.
One of the joys of Grace’s life was taking holidays to many parts of the world, especially island nations in the Caribbean and South Pacific.
A memorial service will be held at All Saints by the Sea, in Ganges, Salt Spring Island, on Friday, July 26, 2024, at 12:00 pm. The service will be followed by a light lunch and interment at Purdy Cunningham Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Grace’s name to the Salt Spring Foundation (https://ssifoundation.ca/).
Grace is lovingly remembered by her brother Robert Young, son Michael Byrne, four grandchildren (Alicia, Ryan, Scott, and Heather), and seven nieces and nephews.