MARKS, Grace

MARKS

On April 15, 2019, GRACE MARKS, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, at the age of 89 years, made her journey home to reunite with her husband Stan, family and friends.

Grace is survived by her brother and life-long best friend, Ross Chambers; and her children, Garry (Elly) Marks, (Lomond), Delores (Pat) Honess (Lomond), Darlene (Ralph) Peckford (Lethbridge), Barb (Rob) Kusnir (Taber), Cindy (John) Steenbergen (Lethbridge) and Helen Marks (Lethbridge) and many grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband Stan Marks (of over 72 years), parents, brothers, sisters and many dear friends.

Grace Pauline Chambers was born June 4, 1929. Due to diphtheria, many babies did not survive. Grace’s mother could not believe her tiny brown-eyed baby girl made it through childbirth. Her mother would always say, “She had to fight her way here, and she has never backed away from anything or anyone since.” Even when the foe was mighty, Grace would stand up for what was right. She absolutely never ever knew the meaning of ”giving up” and if you were one of her family, you better not either.

Grace married her school sweetheart, Stan Marks, in 1947. They were so thrilled to be blessed with five children, ten grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. This was Grace’s greatest joy. She was such a phenomenal mother and grandmother. She was a brilliant, independent and strong woman and she modeled that for all of her children and grandchildren. She was so incredibly wise. She always knew what to say to make everything right again. Whether it was their biggest failure or greatest triumph, she was the first person her children would call. She was the rock and heart of her family. With her unconditional love, encouragement and enthusiasm she would make everyone believe they could achieve their dreams, and with her behind them, they did.

Grace was such a hard worker. Whatever needed to be done on the farm, or in the community, she was right there doing her share and more. She taught her children that when there was work to be done, everybody needed to help, to never ask someone to do what you wouldn’t do yourself and to feel the power and joy that comes with a team accomplishing the goal. She would work on the farm; drive the school bus; work at the post office; make meals fit for royalty; wash; clean and then before bed, sewing the most beautiful outfits just to make sure her children were dressed in the best. She would work endlessly and selflessly.

Many found Grace to be such a loyal friend, counsellor and confidant. She had such a gift of knowing when someone was hurting or needed a helping hand. She would then go over for a “little visit” because she thought they might just need someone to talk with. Those talks mended countless broken hearts. She was a firm believer that you should never push someone down when you could use the same hand to help pick someone up.

Her little farmhouse was always filled with so much laughter, love, and, of course, food. Her greatest delight was to have people over for a meal and visit. Many friends and neighbors would drop in around mealtime, and Grace would welcome them happily as she set more plates on the table. Everyone would rave about her meals and baking, but no one loved it more than her husband. When all the children had left the home, Grace and Stan still always ate their meals together at the kitchen table, discussing their day, their lives and their dreams. Until Stan’s passing two months ago, they lived their whole life as one. Reunited, their love story will now continue on for eternity. Grace will remain with us forever. Her many pearls of wisdom will continue to guide us throughout our lifetimes, and passed from generation after generation.

A Service of Remembrance will be held at MCKILLOP UNITED CHURCH, 2329 – 15 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, on Monday, April 22, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. with Reverend Terry Shillington officiating.

Grace will be laid to rest in Mountain View Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Therese Villa via Covenant Foundation, c/o St. Michael’s Health Centre, 1400-9th Ave. S, T1J 4V5. Thank-you.

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com