April 12, 1928 – August 23, 2024
It is with great sadness that the family of Grace Emily McVittie announces her passing on Friday, August 23, 2024, at the age of 96 years.
Grace was full of vitality and never shied away from any task, whether it be driving the community taxi for the “old people” or leading church services at her home parish, St. John the Baptist Anglican Church in Gull Lake, SK, both into her 90s. She was a strong, positive, helpful, and loving person right to the very end.
Grace was born in Nokomis, SK on April 12, 1928. She and her siblings were raised on the family farm and upon graduation from high school in 1946, she moved to Rosetown, SK, where she began work as a linotype operator for the Rosetown Eagle, a job she did with great pride. It was while she was in Rosetown that she caught the eye of her future husband, Scott McLeod. She and Scott were married on August 11, 1952. Their daughter, Donna, was born in 1956, and their son, Bruce, followed in 1958. After living in several small towns in Saskatchewan, they settled in Gull Lake in 1970 where Grace remained until 2018. She worked as a reporter for all the local newspapers in the various communities.
With her athletic prowess and competitive nature, Grace excelled in several sports including tennis, golf, curling, bowling, and especially table tennis. She was also an avid Scrabble and bridge player, actively playing well into her 90s. Grace also greatly enjoyed photography. She was an active member of the Anglican Church and took on leadership roles in the ACW, local, provincial, and national committees, and represented the Anglican Church on her community’s multi-faith committee.
Grace loved her kids and encouraged them in all their pursuits. When grandchildren came, she was a very active grandma and would play host to all seven at once for two weeks each summer while they were enrolled in swimming lessons. While staying with Grandma, her grandchildren became excellent table tennis players under her tutelage.
Scott passed away in 1993, and Grace continued with many activities and trips with her friends. In early 2011, she renewed acquaintance with George McVittie, whom she met at a photography retreat in Cypress Hills in the 1970s. Sparks flew, and they were married on October 9, 2011. With George, she travelled the world, including trips to both the Arctic and Antarctic. In July of 2018, Grace and George relocated to College Park Retirement Residence in Regina. George passed away in November 2018, after which Grace continued to enjoy the many activities that College Park offered, including WII golf/tennis, bridge, scrabble, and winning many medals at the College Park All Seniors’ games. After being asked to portray Princess Kate in 2020, she accepted and set out to find her Prince William. She found him, a wonderful man named Ron Joseph, and they immediately clicked. They enjoyed their time together and were always happy and content in each other’s company.
Grace was predeceased by her parents Louie (Halstead) and Roland Reed, all her siblings, first husband Scott and second husband George. She is survived by her daughter Donna and her family: Eric, Justin (Lindsay), Kali (Jordan) (great grandchildren Emma, Kayden, and Maycee), and Reed (Emma); and by her son Bruce (Gail) and his family: Jeffrey (Erin), Tiera (Steve), (great granddaughter Scout), and Iain; as well as her special friend Ron Joseph.
Grace’s message to us all, based on her faith, is " love is the most important thing of all – it’s what Jesus teaches. Have faith, hope, and love but the greatest of these is love.”
Grace’s Funeral Service will be held at St. John the Baptist Anglican Church in Gull Lake, SK, on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at 10:30 a.m., with reception to follow. Grace will be interred at the Gull Lake Cemetery, beside her first husband, Scott.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Grace to the Anglican Diocese of Qu’Appelle, 1501 College Avenue, Regina, SK, S4P 1B8, or to a charity of your choice. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.speersfuneralchapel.com.