It is with great sadness that we announce that Grace Mildred Walton — or ‘Amazing Grace,’ as she would often introduce herself and always lived up to — passed away peacefully at 89, surrounded by her loved ones.

Grace was born to Mabel and William Alley and raised in Saint John, N.B., where she also attended nursing school and met Leigh, her loving husband of 66 years. Together they lived in Charlottetown, Halifax and Saint John before heading west to Calgary in 1968 with their children Marcia, Geoffrey and Ian.

Grace worked for many years at the Rockyview General Hospital and offered nursing advice until her final days. Grace and Leigh eventually retired to Invermere, previously a favourite weekend hangout. Their home in Timber Ridge was usually filled with family and friends, and the guests were always spoiled and never hungry. Gracie loved to socialize. She was a great friend and good neighbour to many.

She was just about the kindest person you’d ever meet, which might explain why the deer never seemed too frightened when she was trying to shoo them away from her garden or apple tree. She also enjoyed skiing, golf, spending summer afternoons at the beach and travelling the world by cruise ship.

Grace was pre-deceased by her parents Mabel and William, sister Frances Barbery, brother Charles Alley and son Geoffrey. She is survived by her husband Leigh, daughter Marcia Gilbertson, son Ian (Nancy), grandchildren Wes (Cassandra), Kendra (Mat), Amy, Courtney and Emma and was so proud to meet her great granddaughter Élodie before she passed. She will also be missed by Leigh’s sisters Bertha (Forbie) Taylor and Margaret MacEwen and sister-in-law Judy and by many nieces and nephews.

Grace’s family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff at Columbia Garden Village and Invermere & District Hospital for their compassion and wonderful care.