April 4, 1935 - May 28, 2023
In Loving Memory ~
On the evening of May 28th, Grace passed away at Mountain Lake Senior's Community in Nelson, BC. Grace Cummings Paterson was born in Trail, BC, the eldest of 7 children to James & Grace Paterson. She grew up in Trail, graduating from JL Crowe High and then marrying Denis Baines one year later.
Grace worked at the CS Williams clinic in Trail before commencing her career in banking, starting at the Trail branch of the Bank of Montreal, then, after moving permanently to their summer property in Balfour, transferring to the BMO in Nelson.
She took a break from banking for a few years to enjoy her home & garden while volunteering for the Kootenay Lake Hospital Auxiliary in Nelson, which would continue for 25+ years. To delay retirement, Grace took on the management & operation of the snack bar on the MV Anscomb ferry for several years, then the banking profession called again, & she was employed by the Nelson & District Credit Union until her retirement in 1997.
Grace enjoyed several sports & skills, starting with grade school track & field, where she excelled at the high jump, and then many years of curling, golfing, & gardening. Her interest in artwork & craft skills were always present, where her paintings, needlepoint, & petit point creations still adorn her families' homes. Her crossword puzzle solving skills were second-to-none, with the Sunday NY Times challenger being her favourite.
Music & singing were a big part of Grace's life, and up to her passing she could still sing every lyric to any "Show Tune," "Scottish Ditty," or "Campfire Song," which entertained the residents & staff at Mountain Lake. She definitely lived up to her moniker of "Amazing Grace"!
Grace is survived by her daughter Susan Steed (Tom), son Brian, grandsons Michael & Christopher, and 4 great-grandsons. Also remaining to mourn her passing are brothers Jim (Kay), Rob (Irene), and Russell (Deborah), sisters Valerie Miyoshi (Ken), Judy Saunderson (Dale), stepbrother Peter Player, and many nephews & nieces.
Grace was predeceased by her husband, Denis (2010), and her sister, Victoria.
Grace always treated everyone with a cheerful & caring attitude, whether she knew you or not, her smile and laugh lit up the room. She will be forever missed and held dearly in our hearts.
Grace's family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Drs. Janz & Collins and for the exceptional care that the staff at ML Senior's Community provides. There will be no funeral or life celebration, as per Grace's wishes.
As an expression of condolence, a donation in Grace's memory to the Kootenay Lake Hospital Foundation (3 View St., Nelson BC, V1L 2V1, or online at: https://klhf.org/wp/giving/donateklhf/) would be welcomed & appreciated. Thank you to those who have already donated.