Grace Dermody

The family of Grace Dermody of Swift Current wish to announce her passing on Monday, March 23, 2020 at the Meadows in Swift Current.

A Private Family Graveside Service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to a charity of the donor’s choice in Grace’s memory would be appreciated by the family.

Mrs. Grace Edwina Dermody, age 93, of Swift Current, SK passed away on Monday, March 23, 2020 at the Meadows, Swift Current. Grace was born in London, England on January 20, 1927 to Edward & Beatrice Brady. The family emigrated to Canada in 1928 and settled in the Reeve district near McCreary, MB. She attended the Turtle Plaines School until grade nine, worked on the family farm, and enlisted in the Canadian Women’s Army Core in January 1945 at age 18. There, she worked in the Offices of the Medical Core in Ottawa until it was demobilized in 1946.

While living in Winnipeg, MB she met Gerard Dermody in 1948, and they married in 1950. Grace & Gerard were blessed with four children — Grant (1951), Gregory (1962), Glen (1964), and Grace (1966). The family moved west to Saskatchewan in 1966, living in Regina for a few years and then settling in Swift Current in 1973.

Grace worked full time for Saskatchewan Social Services for 18 years, until forced to retire at age 65. She then continued working at Re/Max Realty for a few years more, as she was not ready to slow down. After retiring, she became very involved volunteering at St. Stephens church.

Grace was a tireless and persistent worker, never sitting down until all the necessary work was accomplished. The same perseverance that she learned growing up during the Great Depression was demonstrated throughout her life, as she always found a way to keep the family going and the children fed and cared for. Her family will always be grateful for her dedication and the lessons her example taught them.

Grace did not have a lot of time for hobbies, but she did love reading, crossword puzzles, and board games when she had time as her children grew up, and even more so once she retired and could play with them and her grandchildren.

Her family had a few memorable family driving trips growing up, Grace enjoyed that time off from work and seeing her relatives in Manitoba and BC. Growing up with no plumbing in the 30’s, Grace never expressed a desire for camping or roughing it — she had been there, done that!

Late in her career, it was discovered that due to not having graduated high school, she did not meet the requirements for working with the government. This was after she had been there over 15 years and helped convert to the new computerized system. Grace just chuckled, then challenged the GED and obtained it the next week.

Grace became a widow in 1987 and looked after herself her remaining years, showing again great persistence and endurance. Her children and their spouses, grandchildren and their spouses, and great-grandchildren were her delight, her main pride and joy.

She lived independently until age 91, when an injury from an accidental fall meant entry into the long-term care system. Her last year was spent at the Meadows in Swift Current. The family gratefully acknowledges the care she received there, and thanks all of the staff.

Grace was the last of her generation and was predeceased by her husband, Gerard Raymond Dermody; her parents, Edward & Beatrice Brady; her sisters, Beatrice (William) Congram and Margaret (Sidney) Andrew; and by her aunts and uncles.

Grace is survived by her four children and their families; her son, Grant Dermody;  her son, Gregory (Michelle) Dermody and their children, Katherine and Nicole (Darren) Plett; her son, Glen (Diane) Dermody and their children, Alanna (Ryan) Wilson and Ryan; her daughter, Grace (Kent) Oar and their children, Brittney (Christopher) Laing (their son, Nathaniel) and Brandelle (Wyatt) Hughes (their children, Barrett and Willow); and by numerous nieces and nephews and their families.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Grace Dermody, please visit our floral store.