Remembering the life of a friend - Ellen Gracie Stewart

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Published on Thursday, September 3, 2015

Submitted photo. Gracie Stewart at home on the farm as a young woman

Submitted

The Neepawa Banner

Monday morning (August 31, 2015)  we celebrated the life of Ellen “Gracie” Stewart in a casual gathering at her graveside, with her Country Meadows family and friends in attendance.

 Gracie passed away on Wednesday, Aug 26 at the Neepawa hospital with her friend Val by her side.

Thanks goes out to all in attendance and to the staff of Country Meadows and Neepawa hospital for their care of the Stewart family over the years. Tomorrow is a new normal for us all! Today is a day to celebrate the life of Gracie.

Her birth name was Ellen Gracie Stewart, but we all knew her as Gracie. In her 79 plus years, she harmed no one and helped everyone. She asked for little and was always thankful, " tanks " she would say. We all knew this day would arrive.

Our Gracie has been called home to be with her parents Robert and Ellen Elisabeth, her brothers John, Duncan, Bill and Gordon and sister Elisabeth. Gracie was born on May 25, 1936.

When I first met her, she lived on the family farm just west of Arden. 

She would learn all the necessary skills on the farm with no formal education. She knew when to plant the garden, the difference between weeds and garden plants. The Stewart garden was huge and many in the community would benefit from the generosity of over abundance. 

Some would return with jars of pickles or home baking after receiving their gifts. 

Gracie also learned about animals and had chickens, geese, horses, cattle, pigs and always a dog which could chase a ball and entertain all who would throw it to them. 

Gracie lived with her brothers John and Duncan in her adult years. They did the best they could, but ended up also teaching Gracie many words young men use when no one is listening. The use of these words ended when she moved to Country Meadows. 

Gracie worked on the farm with the animals, putting up hay, in the garden and doing most of the domestic chores in the house.

Fifteen years ago, she was diagnosed with a tumour and was given a life expectancy of six months. I guess no one told Gracie, as she far surpassed this diagnosis and even the morning she died, was asking to watch her favourite show “Win a car”- Price is Right.

Gracie had many visits to the hospital in her life, and except for a couple incidents, was always given great care, especially by “The man with the healing hands”. Dr. Poettcker, would only have to hold her hand and all symptoms would disappear. Thank you to the staff at Neepawa hospital and Country Meadows for all the great care over the years.

It will never be said that she never complained, as in her life, she had many ailments; a sore toe, sore finger, a limp, mostly to gather sympathy. A learned behaviour from living with her brothers.

This being said, it would only take the touch of a friend’s hand, a quick hug or a threat to cut off the appendage and Gracie would step up and shake it off.

Gracie lived a simple life with few amenities, so her time at Country Meadows Resort was the icing on her cake. It was there that “good home" became her description of Country Meadows. It was also where she met new friends and especially the little ones Brook and Kellie, the bath lady’s (Michele) daughters, she so enjoyed having their visits.

Gracie was treated as a queen, loved by all who met her and made many friends with both staff and residents.

She loved the outings, the Mennonite choir, the music programs and especially bingo. She was the eyes and ears many times in the common area when a disruption might occur.

She enjoyed hockey and her Price is Right shows. She once went to a wrestling match and had the time of her life, she also enjoyed the outings to the winter fair.

If she had a beef, it was with a pesky resident who would access her room uninvited. She was given a key and felt much more secure.

Gracie loved to be teased and had a great sense of humour .

There was never any doubt that she knew and understood what went on around her, just had a difficult time expressing herself in language.

As I sat with her that morning and held her hand as she was greeted bythose who passed before her, she calmly breathed her last breath and had a soft smile .

Gracie will be missed by all who met her, her robust laugh or generous heart.

‘Till we meet again, good friend.