Aurelia Grimes (Owens) died peacefully on November 30, 2020 at the age of 98

GRIMES - Aurelia Grimes (Owens) died peacefully on November 30, 2020 at the age of 98.

She was born on July 25, 1922 in Eston, Saskatchewan to William Levi and Jane (Jennie) Owens, pioneers who travelled by horse-drawn wagon to their homestead in 1907. Aurelia was the second youngest of ten children, all of whom lived to thriving adulthood despite the dust bowl, the great depression and the other challenges of prairie farm life.

After a year of teacher training at Normal School in Saskatoon Aurelia returned to Eston where, in 1942, she married her beloved husband and partner in life, Joseph (Joe) Grimes. Aurelia and Joe proudly raised four daughters, Carolynn (Garry Drabble), Kathrynn (Terry Baker), Joanne (Marvin Nagel) and Tamara (Bruce Buckwold), giving each of them every opportunity that their hard work and unfailing support could offer. Aurelia was also a caring grandmother and great-grandmother to Rodney Drabble (Julia and children Matthew and Meghan), Rory Drabble, Kimberley Baker (Simon Corti and sons Devin, Kohen, Tyson and Ethan), Neil Baker (Ceri-Anne Smith), Ben Buckwold (Laurie Magnan and daughter Leonie) and Adam Buckwold (daughter Bryanna and wife Marianne).

Like her pioneering parents, Aurelia was a person who believed that if something had to be done you just did it. And if it was worth doing, it was worth doing well. Together with Joe, she brought that strength, determination and devotion to family, church and community.

Aurelia was deeply involved in the work and life of St. Andrew’s United Church in Eston, serving in Mission Band, United Church Women, Canadian Girls in Training and Presbytery among other activities. She worked to establish a Community Clinic in Eston, was a committed supporter of the CCF/NDP and the Co-op, and a volunteer for many community undertakings. In 1994 Aurelia and Joe moved to McClure Place in Saskatoon where Aurelia was active in the McClure Place community and supported McClure United Church. As her health declined she moved to Amy McClure House care home in 2013 and then to Diamond House in Warman in September 2019, where she passed away.

Aurelia kept an immaculate home, gardened, cooked and canned, travelled, learned to ride a bike as an adult and almost learned to swim, and will especially be remembered for the many beautiful things she sewed, knitted and crocheted for her children, grandchildren and others. In a final gift to the world, Aurelia chose to bequeath her body to the College of Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan for teaching and research.

Aurelia is survived by sisters Gladys Sweitzer and Betty Fry. She was sadly predeceased by her husband, Joe (1995) and by sons-in-law Marvin Nagel (2018) and Garry Drabble (2019).

Aurelia’s family is profoundly grateful to Dr. Dan Dattani for his years of compassionate care, to Marg Petty whose workout sessions brightened Mom’s days and strengthened her legs, to the relatives, neighbours and staff who offered Mom care and companionship during her years at McClure Place and Amy McClure House, and especially to the dedicated staff at Diamond House, where her needs were never neglected in spite of the enormous demands of caring for the vulnerable through a pandemic.

A celebration of Aurelia’s life will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to ALS Saskatchewan or the charity of your choice.