Grace Elizabeth SALTER

Grace passed away at her home in Errington on Monday, April 16th at the age of 84.  Born in Ladner, BC on April 28, 1933 to Marion and George Gunn, she was the youngest child and had a sister, Jean Brown – who predeceased her.

Mom’s family were aways her priority.

Her eight children remain to remember and celebrate the extraordinary person our mother was. She leaves behind David (Faye), Wayne, Wendy, Leanne (Rick), Brad, Steven (Lee Anne), Darin (Tina) and Sue. Grace dearly loved her 18 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Grace grew up in New Westminster where her family farmed Gunn Island, as well as Silverdale and Richmond. Later, when the family moved to Youbou, her father worked in the mill in Lake Cowichan and her mother worked at Brunings Store. The children became very strong swimmers while living at the lake.

She worked in the mill as a teenager and then married Robert (Bob) Salter in Youbou.  In the early 60’s, raising her children alone, Grace went back to school and trained to become a hair dresser. There was a lot of laughter in our house when mom practiced her “new skills” on the children and their friends.

Grace purchased a house in Errington in the mid 60’s and began work at the Village Dry Cleaners on Craig Street. She worked hard and eventually managed the business when the owner and dear friend, Jack Farris became ill. After Jack passed, she went back to school and became a care aide and worked at Trillium Lodge and Little Mountain Manor. Grace is known throughout the community as a kind, caring and gentle nurse who gave her patients loving care.

Grace loved to cook Sunday dinners and in later years, her house was overflowing with children and grandchildren who were boisterous and animated when everyone arrived for special occasions. She welcomed in family, friends and most anyone else who arrived at her door.

Grace dedicated her heart to God and attended the Salvation Army Church for over 25 years - her faith in the Lord was enduring.  She was a Sunday school teacher, volunteered at the soup kitchen and food bank, and prepared shoe boxes for children overseas at Christmas time. Generous, trusting and compassionate, she was always ready to help with a smile and pleasant nature. 

A consummate gardener, Grace planted a vegetable garden each year and managed her fruit trees and flower gardens with tender care.

She left us to be with her mom, dad, sister and loving granddaughter, Marianne, on April 16th, 2018.

A beautiful soul is now cradled in God’s loving arms where she will rest for eternity.

We are very thankful for Dr. Desai who has treated her for over 30 years. He gave our mother excellent care and took time to come to her home and comfort her. We would also like to thank all of mom’s outstanding care givers who were gentle, kind, dedicated and professional with mom.

A Celebration of Life will be held in her honour at Yates Memorial Services, 1000 Allsbrook Road in Parksville at 1:00 pm on Saturday, May 12, 2018.