GARCEAU, Grace Anita (nee Fornataro)
Sept. 26, 1920 to Jan. 16, 2014
Formerly of Ottawa, Grace died peacefully in hospital on Saltspring Island, B.C., in her 94th year. She was surrounded by the love of her friends, daughters and the caring nurses of Lady Minto Hospital. Daughter of the late Angelina Santuccio and Carmine Fornataro, predeceased by stepmother Viola Fornataro, sisters Teresa and Irene, brothers John, Xavier, Raymond and David as well as husband Paul. Loving mother of Ann (Gerry), Susan (Julia), Jane (John), Carol, Jessica and Becky (Brian). Foster mother to Janice (Eric). Grandmother to Joshua (Aya), Melissa, Timothy, Amy, Matthew, Samantha and Ela and great-grandmother to Riley, Darcy, Evie Lulu, Astrid and Finn. Grace is also survived by her sisters Ruth, Silvia, Beatrice, Margaret, Angelena and Sue Fornataro, along with numerous nieces and nephews. In her own words, “I had a good life!” Indeed, she did. A dedicated mother, nurse, choir member and faithful church attendee, Grace’s journey was filled with family, friends and walking proudly in the footsteps set out by her father, a Protestant minister. Bringing home newcomers for a meal after church was common and spending many summers being the best hostess of Beaver Lodge at Gracefield Christian Camp helped Grace fulfill her mission to befriend and infuse as many people as possible with her generous spirit. She loved music, children, nature, her church family, reading books and exploring big ideas about how the world should be. Her daughter Susan was a strong life mate in her last few years and daughter Jessica and caregiver Rita added greatly to that joy. Grace is now with friends and family in heaven and it’s a comfort to know she was not afraid to die. Her spirit lives on in all her daughters, the wonderful memories we have remain strong and it’s those precious moments that remind us to wear bright colours and be joyful. A memorial service will be held on Saltspring Island in the coming weeks and the family will gather in June up at Gracefield to celebrate Grace’s long life. Donations to UNICEF or to the ‘Grace Garceau Campership Fund’ (email info@gracefieldcamp.caorcall 819-463-2210) would be appreciated by Grace and her family. Messages of condolences can be emailed to bgarceau@ottawacitizen.com.