Peacefully, Grace went home to be with her Lord and Saviour on Sunday, September 1, 2024.
She was the beloved wife of Gerry (Gerald), and they would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary next month. She was a special sister-in-law to Sharon Starratt (Paul), Ted (Marilyn, late Penny), Rob (Debbie) and Steve (Tracy). She was a much loved Aunt to Valerie (Mike), Vincent (Pam), Ben (Tanya), Mark (Nichola), Jeff (Alli), Andrew (Alicia), Lindsey (Mike), Michael (Angella), Cynthia (Eric). She delighted in the next generation of 25 great-nieces and great-nephews and 1 great-great nephew. Because of a weekend birthday celebration, that began at the cottage on Beech Beach Grace for Gerald’s 40th birthday, all of this family has continued coming together for a special “Burmaster Weekend” each and every year for the last 36 years. It is because of Grace and Gerald that all the cousins have been able to form close bonds as many live in different parts of Ontario and the USA. Grace was a much loved Aunt, Great Aunt and Great-Great Aunt to all.
Grace was the beloved daughter of the late Gordon and Hope Merrifield. She was a Teacher with the ADSB and loved teaching her students how to cook and sew as part of the Home Economics classes. Her passion for sewing transferred to making personalized handmade quilts for each of her great nieces/nephews children.
Grace loved the time she and Gerry spent each winter in Georgia, where they trained their yellow labs and had them compete in dog trials. Georgia was also a special place for Grace, as that’s where she went to quilting shows and spent time doing what she loved most: quilting.
Grace loved her time living on St. Joseph Island. For many years she was in charge of the pie booth for the Matthews Memorial Hospital Community Night. She volunteered at the Jocelyn Summer Fair each year, baking pies to raise money for the Hospital. Grace was also part of the MHS Auxiliary.
Special thanks to Matthews Memorial Hospital, Richards Landing, and SAH's ICU Doctors and Nurses.
Friends and family are invited to visit Arthur Funeral Home – Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. East. 705-759-2522) on Friday, September 6, 2024 from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Funeral service will be held Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 10:00 am with Pastor Thomas officiating. Friends are invited to view the service online starting at 9:55 am and can be viewed anytime up to 90 days, go to www.funeraweb.tv and select Grace's name. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions (payable by cheque or online) to First Baptist Church or Galilean Bible Camp would be greatly appreciated by the family. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.arthurfuneralhome.com for the family.