November 24, 1933 - August 5, 201
Grace passed away peacefully at her home after a lengthy illness. She is pre-deceased by her father Rev. John Dougald Kennedy; mother Della Elizabeth Johnson, Brother Ross Kennedy, sister-in-law Elsie Kennedy, and brothers-in-law Gordon Smith and Geordy Marshall.
She will be dearly missed by brothers Ken, Allister, Eldon (Viv); sisters Alice Marshall, Jean Smith; children Darlene Bandet (Rob Birtwistle); Doug, Jim, and Ken Petraschuk; Shelley and Bonnie Robertson; grand-children Breanna, Ashley, Cayla, Jessica, Kelly, Robert, Brandyn, Alyssa, Ryan, Sasha; and great-grandchild Hana; many nieces, nephews and friends.
Grace was born at Lacombe Alberta, the middle child of 7 children. Being the depression her parents struggled to make a living and spread the word while living in a log cabin at Burtonsville, AB. Her father was assigned new preaching circuits moving them from Alberta to BC in 1941 where they lived in Kelowna and West Summerland and back to Calgary in 1946. Here Grace attended Colonel Walker School where she excelled at and won medals for running long jump. She married Peter Petraschuk and had four children. Grace was a devoted mother while holding jobs such as service work at the Calgary General Hospital. The marriage dissolved and Grace moved to Vancouver in 1970 residing with Ken Robertson and giving birth to two daughters. Courtenay became home in the early 1990’s and the Comox Valley Seniors Village was her final residence. Here she made many friends and enjoyed the company of devoted caregivers. Special thanks go out to them and Drs. Swanson and Silcox.
Mom’s strong spirit is truly what kept her with her family these last few years. The world was a better place with her unselfish love, support, laughter, and sense of humor. We love you mom.
A memorial service will be held at 1:30pm on August 27, 2011 at the Courtenay Fellowship Baptist Church, 2963 Lake Trail Road. Reception to follow at Darlene & Rob’s home.