May the roads rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
May the rains fall soft upon fields
And until we meet again
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
- Irish blessing
The world lost a beloved mother, Grace Oakes (née Henry), on September 28, 2022, surrounded by loved ones, just shy of 94 years young. She was born in South Tetagouche, New Brunswick, on November 7, 1928, to Rose (Frenette) and George Henry. She was predeceased by her late husband Delbert Oakes. Grace never wanted to be the center of attention, so a celebration of life will be privately held with family. Friends or family wishing to honor Grace are invited to make a donation in her name to their local children's hospitals, childcare centers, and motherhood organizations.
Grace dedicated her life to her children. She treasured them and embraced every moment with them. She especially loved her role as Great-Grandma, Grandma, and Nana. She had a vivacious personality and always made people around her laugh.
Grace is survived by her dear sister and husband Joan and Steve Mills, her brother and late wife Paul and Dorina Henry, and her brother and wife Jim and Mary Henry. She was also a cherished sister to her late siblings Owen, Ivan, Arthur, Eugene, Donald, Raymond, Eleanor, and Norman.
Much loved mother of her daughter and husband Barb and Bob Pharand, daughter Alison Oakes, son and partner George Oakes and Linda, son and wife Steve and Claudia Oakes, son and wife Jim and Marcelle Oakes.
Grandmother to her granddaughter and husband Trina and Rob Hayden, grandson and spouse Jamie Pharand and Chantal Henry, granddaughter and spouse Élianne and Thomas Larocque, grandson and wife Tyler and Stephanie Belair, grandson and wife Jason and Bobbie-Jo Oakes, grandson and partner Shawn Oakes and Tafari Anthony, grandson and wife Trevor and Nicole Oakes, grandson and wife Chad and Julie Oakes, grandson and wife Jonathan and Jodi Oakes.
Great-grandmother to her great-granddaughters Chelsea and Lukka, great-granddaughter and great-grandson Alexia and Aiden, great-grandson and great-granddaughter Quinton and Lolah, great-grandson and great-granddaughters Colton, Emily and Jessica, great-grandsons Cameron and Carter, great-granddaughters Avery and Addison, great-grandsons Olivier and Théo, great-grandsons Owen and Liam.
The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff at Extendicare York and Health Sciences North, for their care and compassion.
Our deepest condolences.
Hazel
October 1, 2022
Sorry to hear about Aunt Grace. I remember meeting her as a child. She had come with Alison. She was such a kind and loving woman. I met her again sometime after Andi and I were married. She was always so kind to us. Sorry for our loss.
Andi & Jean
October 1, 2022
Our condolences to the family.
Love,
Jim and Mary
September 30, 2022