On January 22, 2010, Grace Potvin passed away peacefully at the age of 92, at Chilliwack Hospital. Grace was born in Morinville, Alberta, the 2nd child of 7 children. She was predeceased by her parents and 6 siblings, her husband Alfred, daughter Maria, and granddaughter Laura Lee.
Grace and Alfred were married in Edmonton, Alberta in 1942. During their 64 years of marriage they were blessed with 8 children: Bernadette, Margaret Rose (Ian Pawsey), Elizabeth (Alvin Friesen), Maurice, Norman (Jennifer), Lorraine (Norm Anderson), Maria-deceased 1993 (George DeRuyter), and Fred (Theresa); 19 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren.
Grace and Alfred moved from Edmonton, AB to Richmond BC in 1956, where BC became their home until her death. During their years in BC they cared for 5 foster children. Grace later felt a calling to get involved with “prison ministry” along with her husband. For 23 years she devoted herself wholeheartedly to this ministry, in Terrace, Sooke, and Chilliwack. She also for a time was involved in Home Care for the elderly. After moving to Chilliwack in 1989, Grace became very involved in her church – mainly with the CWL – in St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
As their health began to decline, Grace and her husband moved into Parkholm Place, living there for one year after which they were transferred to Heritage Village, where she lived her last 9 years. Grace was known for her beautiful, warm loving smile. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends, and by the staff of Heritage Village, who came to love her dearly. Our thanks go out to the staff of Heritage for their loving, caring devotion to her. A Funeral Mass was held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Monday, January 25th, 2010.
Online condolences can be left at www.WoodlawnFH-MtCheam.com