Grace Heagy passed away during the afternoon on Tuesday, July 8th, in her 105th year of life, in the presence of caring staff at the Grasslands Health Centre in Rockglen, Saskatchewan.
Grace Eleanor Kirby was born 11 August, 1920, on the family farm in Hart-Butte, Saskatchewan, to parents, Norman and Grace (Johnson) Kirby. Her birth was assisted by her maternal grandmother, Julia Johnson, who was a mid-wife.
Grace was part of a large family which was engaged in farming and ranching. At age 9 the family moved to ranch near Scout Lake where there is rich history associated with living beside the CPR railway track. “The conductor and trainmen always waved to us as the train went by and at Easter time, they would throw out Easter eggs to us kids ... The Kirby children walked along the railroad track to school in Scout Lake”.
Grace was the oldest daughter in the family. In grade 9 she quit school to help with housework and care for her younger brothers and sisters.
Grace’s first marriage was to Sam Coon. Daughter, Edith, was born from this marriage.
Grace was later married to Earl Heagy who brought his two sons, Earl and Ralph, into the family. Children from their marriage were Marvin, Garry, Steve, Shirley, and Peggy.
The family first lived on the Lange farm, directly east of the Grand Valley Church and later moved to a farm closer to the Little Woody school when daughter Edith became of school age. They experienced tough times, but were fortunate to live in a close-knit community of family and friends. Sundays were often spent visiting relatives. There were often huge family gatherings at her father’s ranch near Scout Lake, particularly at roundup and branding time. Neighbors got together on winter evenings to play cards. “I always had a large garden and canned lots of fruits and vegetables. At harvest time, there were often threshers to feed and hot meals to be taken to the field.”
Mostly because of harsh weather and isolation during the winter a new Beaver Lumber house was purchased and set up in Rockglen circa 1965 for winter accommodations until the farm was sold in 1972 when Rockglen became home.
Christmas, summer vacations, and special events were a busy time for Grace. It seemed there was no end to food preparation and keeping her visitors entertained, but she enjoyed it. Grace kept the freezer and cold room packed with goodies that the family enjoyed. Summer visits always included a hike up Columbus.
Grace was an avid sports fan, particularly of the Saskatchewan Roughriders football team and of curling. Watching the games on TV occupied a lot of her leisure time. Another tradition was walking downtown every day to have coffee at the restaurant with the local “coffee gang”.
Grace often mentioned that her dad told his children to take the bad with the good and make the best of things. She will be remembered for following his advice.
Grace was happy and proud that her children maintained a close sibling relationship. She remained very close to her children and her love was rewarded with frequent visits.
Grace is survived by her children, Edith Spagrud of Wetaskiwin, AB, Garry (Elizabeth) of St. Clements, ON, Steve (Eileen) of Winfield, AB, Shirley (Bruce) Bender of Pine Lake, AB, and Peggy (Cliff, decd) Ching of Slave Lake, AB; siblings, Myrt (Bill, decd) Linden of B.C. and Ralph (Margaret, decd) Kirby of Assiniboia, SK.
Grace was predeceased by her loving husband of 42 years, Earl; son, Marvin (Linda, decd), stepsons, Earl (Olivia, decd) and Ralph (Eleanor); parents, Norman and Grace; step-mother, Gladys Kirby; siblings, Charlie (Ellen, decd), Bob (Greta, decd), Jim (Emma, decd), Elsie (Bill, decd) Kalbfleish, Ernest “Dutch” (Rose), and Violet (Fred, decd) Talock.
Grace was blessed with 29 grandchildren, 62 great grandchildren and 28 great great grandchildren. While living at home, she kept a calendar with her descendants’ vital dates on it and each one received a birthday card.
The family is very grateful for the attentive and loving care Grace received from her nephew David Kirby and wife Laurel. David and Laurel were always there when a need arose and did so much to make her life better.
Thanks to Ron Prefontaine for being Grace’s house handyman. Ron was kindly on call for repairs that were required. He was also a good friend.
The family thanks the Grasslands Health Centre staff for their excellent care.
Funeral service will be held on what would have been Grace’s 105th birthday, Monday, August 11th, 2:00 PM, at the Rockglen Community Hall. Presiding will be granddaughter Sherri Ryckman. Following the Interment at the Rockglen Cemetery, the family invites everyone to join them in fellowship at the Rockglen Community Hall.
Flowers will be welcomed by the family, Grace loved flowers, or instead, consider a donation, in memory of Grace, to the Grasslands Health Centre Auxiliary, c/o Killdeer Site Box 80, Rockglen, SK. S0H 3R0. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Heagy family may be shared at www.rossfuneralservice.com. Arrangements entrusted to Ross Funeral Service, Assiniboia, SK.
