CHISHOLM, Grace Eleanor (Field)

Died peacefully with family by her bedside at Ian Anderson House on April 19, 2018 just months shy of her 90th birthday, a milestone she dearly hoped to reach. She accepted her illness with dignity, courage and ‘grace’. Beloved wife and ‘Dacie’ of Bill (William S.) Chisholm. Cherished and much loved mother of Susie (David Kennedy) of Port Credit, Robert (Jan) of Fredericton and Stephen of Cobourg. Special ‘Gramma’ of Peter, Jane (Jordan Charter) and Sarah. Predeceased by her parents Gwen and Jack Field. Sister of Marilyn (Mel Hawkrigg) and sister-in-law of the late Lt.-Col. Ken Chisholm (late Betty), and Alan Chisholm (Marilyn). Gracie was born in Brampton, attended Etobicoke High School (Valedictorian) and graduated from Occupational Therapy (U of T). She worked at The Hospital for Sick Children prior to her marriage in 1951. She supported Bill in his career and his many pursuits. She thrived raising three children and was involved with numerous church and school associations. Grace was a Charter member and subsequent President of the South Peel Branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association. She spoke publicly to professional and lay groups to help raise awareness and erase some of the fears about mental illness. Caring for her family was her priority. She created happy homes in Windsor, Sarnia, Mississauga, Montreal and Vancouver. Along the way she made new friends and maintained old friendships. The final company move was to Lorne Park. With her family (almost) launched, Grace volunteered with the Mississauga Hospital Auxiliary in various roles and was part of a Tuesday morning coffee group who still meet after 40 years. She never mutinied while first mate aboard their sloop Somerset. Those adventures included the Albany and Hudson Rivers, The Thousand Islands and Georgian Bay from Midland to the North Channel. The boat was replaced with a summer cottage on Otter Lake and many weekends throughout the rest of the year were spent at Windy Ridge where they attended Hockley United Church. When Bill retired, they enjoyed annual trips to Siesta Key and attended RAF reunions in England, France, Australia and New Zealand. We shall miss her smile, her thoughtfulness and her graciousness. Special thanks to Dr. Wilansky.

Friends may call at Turner & Porter Peel Chapel, 2180 Hurontario Street, Mississauga (#10, north of the QEW) on Tuesday May 1 from 5-8 p.m. A Memorial Service will be held in the Chapel on Wednesday, May 2, 2018 at 3 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Ian Anderson House, where she received compassionate end of life care or Trillium Health Partners, a cause dear to her heart over many decades.