Grace Phyllis was born in Lindsay, Ontario on January 23, 1939 to parents James and Irene Cook. She was one of four children, with siblings Stan, Bert and Mary keeping her company throughout her childhood. Grace attended a catholic elementary school but did not pursue high school. She soon began babysitting for neighbours and people in her community.
Grace met a young man by the name of Orville Howe, who originated from Norland. The young couple welcomed their daughter Sheila Anne on March 1, 1959 and were married on April 5, 1959 in Norland. Soon after, Orville’s job took their family to Orillia and an opportunity with Canadian Tire. In the mid 1960’s, the Howes moved to Port Elgin as Orville had an opportunity to advance through the ranks at Canadian Tire. They started off in an apartment in Port Elgin before later moving to Paisley. Throughout these moves, Grace kept busy at home caring for Sheila and taking care of the household.
Grace enjoyed the summer months and the colour brown. She had a fondness for potato salad and a weak spot for vanilla ice cream. When it came to TV, Grace enjoyed watching “The View” and her favourite novel was “Little Women.” She was a kind and reserved woman, who enjoyed her privacy. When it came to others, she really respected individuals who were kind and honest to her and her family.
In February of 1999, Orville and Grace’s daughter Sheila Bell died suddenly after contracting Meningitis. The couple immediately took on the responsibility of caring for their two grandsons, David and Brian. Not only was Grace grieving the loss of her only child, but she also had to step in and be a mother figure to two growing and grieving boys. This transition was not easy for any of them, however, Grace worked hard to support and nurture them moving forward.
Once retired, Grace and Orv spent more time together and enjoyed their quiet, later years. Unfortunately, Orv developed dementia and required more care than Grace could provide at home, so he became a resident of Elgin Abbey in Chesley. Sadly, Orville, her soulmate and life partner, died on July 7, 2017. With the love and support of friends and neighbours, Grace was able to remain at home and independently until late in 2018, whereby she had a fall at home. It was then decided that she required more care and she became a resident of Hanover Care Centre. Simply put, it was obvious in the beginning that Grace did not like her new home, but with time she started to welcome the new environment. In fact, she opened up more, became more out-going and the staff and residents soon became an extension of her family. She loved and appreciated the staff and really began to excel at a variety of tasks. Here she enjoyed singing and playing crokinole, reflecting on the times she and Orv enjoyed the game together. Sadly, Grace passed away rather suddenly at Hanover Care Centre on Tuesday, June 30, 2020 in her 82nd year.
Loving wife of the late Orville Howe. Cherished grandmother of David Bell and Brian Bell. Grace will be sadly missed by her friends and neighbours. She was predeceased by her daughter Sheila Bell, siblings Stan, Bert, Mary, and her parents.
A graveside service honouring Grace’s life will be held at Starkvale Cemetery, Paisley on Monday, July 6, 2020 at 10 a.m. Pastor Tony Geense officiating.
Memorial donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or charity of your choice would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
