Grace McNabb

August 15, 1925- May 27, 2021​

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Surrounded by her loving family, Grace McNabb (nee Brown) of Chatsworth passed peacefully at Grey Gables, Markdale on May  27, 2021, at age 95. Loving wife of 51 years to the late William Kenneth McNabb, who predeceased her in 1996. Dear mother of Sharon Torrie (Robert) of Chatsworth, Bonnie Stewart (Bill) of Markdale, Wayne McNabb (Sandi “Sam” Walsh) of Owen Sound, Bev McNabb (Tricia) of Durham, and Lee-Anne Cochrane (Doug) of Chatsworth. Dear sister of Garth Brown (Dorene). Proud grandma of Rob (Jackie), Brent (Shelley), Steve (Susan), Marv (Kelly), Angie (Greg), Keri (Scott), Amy (Rob), Sarah, Grace, Danielle (Terry), Michelle, Brandon (Tanya), Neils (Amy), Andrew (Nicole), Kristin, Marcy, and Erin. Doting great-grandma of Megan (David), April (Robin), Lauren, Robbie, Jessica, Jennifer, Danielle, Cole, Braden, Jackalyn, Cody (Sam), Curran (Hannah), Scott, Matthew, Chantelle, Chase (Holly), Colby (Megan), Madeline, Abbi, Everly, Logan, Mya, Mikaila, Amaya, Curtis, Morgan, Noah, Quinton, Vincent, Georgia, Charlotte, Isaiha, and Sophia. Great great-grandma of Carter. Fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents Elmer and Elva Brown (nee Nigh) and sister Edith Ceaser (J.D.)

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Arrangements have been entrusted to the Garafraxa Hill Funeral Home, Chatsworth. A visitation open to friends and family, will be held at the funeral home chapel on Sunday May 30, from 1:00 – 4:00 pm. Reservations for the visitation are required, and will be accessible through the funeral home website. Due to Covid protocols, masks and social distancing are mandatory. A private family funeral service, officiated by Rev. Randy Benson and Pastor Rosanne Judge, will be held on Monday May 31. A live stream of the service will be available on this page commencing at 11:00 am on Monday. Interment at Shiloh Cemetery, Chatsworth. If desired, memorial donations to the Legacy Fund of Grey Gables or St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, Chatsworth, would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.garafraxahillfuneral.com

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...more of Grace's life story...

Grace Winona Brown was born in Sydenham Township in the summer of 1925. Along with her sister Edith, and brother Garth, they would walk to the nearby SS #1, toting their humble pork and bean sandwiches for school lunches. These were difficult times, in the heart of the depression, growing up in Grey County. From these beginnings however, was born a woman who knew the value of hard work, love of family, and the value in sharing with Church and community. Her first job was at Bell's General Store in Chatsworth and later in the bindery department at RBW in Owen Sound. She met her husband Ken at a dance when she was nineteen. After a short courtship, they married in 1945 and purchased a 100 acre farm at RR #4 Chatsworth. They had a mixed farm of livestock including beef and dairy cattle, chickens and pigs. Times were tough in those days before healthcare; they would have to sell livestock and get help from her parents for her gallbladder surgery. They were blessed with five children and Grace was a loving and affectionate mom, with only one of her 5 recalling a broom handle in their past!, They all remember what a gifted cook and baker she was. Coming home from school, they could smell the homemade bread and sticky buns wafting up the laneway. Their mom was always in a dress and apron with hair done and make-up on, even when she went to the orchard, returning with her apron overflowing with apples. Grace's garden provided potatoes, carrots, and one year she even collected 40 quarts of wild blackberries from the woods across the road. A food grinder would often be clamped to the countertop preparing relishes and chili sauces. Most days she would even partially cook meals, just in case the kids, or grandkids showed up for a quick visit.

Church and community were a huge part of Grace's life. She would live to become the oldest member of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Chatsworth. If there was a church supper or strawberry social to attend, Grace could be counted on for her cakes, pies, and butter tarts...there will never be a better apple, lemon meringue pie, or butter tart made! When she was too old to bake for these events, she would still attend and sell tickets at the door. She was a 20 year member of the Martha Circle group, and Golden Mile Club.

In quiet times, she loved card games such as euchre, crosswords, and Jumbles. Although Ken didn't dance, she loved music, and would often dance with her sister Edith. On TV she enjoyed the music of the Tommy Hunter Show, Circle 8 Ranch and Don Messer's Jubilee as well as game shows like Wheel of Fortune, Match Game, Price is Right, and her favourite Family Feud with Richard Dawson. 

Continuing on the farm until Ken became ill, they then moved to Chatsworth. Resilient as always, she would later be a 2x survivor of breast and uterine cancer.

Travel was always a special memory, and favourite destinations included Manitoulin and Mackinac Islands, and twice to Florida with Harold and Viola. Grace and her sister loved to make overnight shopping trips to Kitchener, mostly for groceries and more often than not, those 3 gossip magazines at the checkout would be in her cart as well.

Close friends were always nearby. Grace Thompsett lived across from her in Chatsworth; reuniting a friendship since she played piano at their wedding. They were always known as the 2 Gracies. In her later years at Grey Gables, she and Muriel Gillies became best friends; even when a private room was offered to Muriel, she wanted to stay with Grace. This beautiful woman had a soul of pure gentleness and kindness, and loved her children and grandchildren with all her heart. She was everything this world needs more of.