Marie Grymonprez

Marie Victoria Grymonprez (nee Simpson) passed away peacefully with family by her side, on Wednesday, November 30, 2016 at St. Paul’s Personal Care Home, The Pas, Manitoba, a day short of her 88th birthday. Victoria was born in Swan Lake, Manitoba, Saturday, December 1, 1928 and was the youngest of 7 siblings born to Maxime and Euphrosine Simpson. Victoria married Cyril Grymonprez on June 5, 1944. Together they conquered the hardships of life and began what became known as the “Ranch”. Their livelihood consisted of raising cattle, fishing, hunting, trapping and gardening. They also began their family of 4 daughters; Madeleine, Doreen, Ethel and Karen. They both instilled strong work ethics in their children, which passed onto many generations. Cyril and Victoria were well known for their hospitality, nobody left their farm without having a cup of tea and a piece of bannock. “The best bannock in the Valley,” Cyril would always tell her. Victoria’s lifespan saw many changes in the world around her, which required her to adapt, making the most out of having very little at times. Her many self-taught talents included knitting, sewing and making mukluks. Many of these talents and industriousness flowed to her children and grandchildren. After her husband Cyril died in 1998, Victoria stayed on the family farm until 2003 and then moved to town. She talked a lot about the farm as it had been a part of her life for 59 years. She appreciated nature and missed her many pets over the years. Victoria’s strength, determination and stubbornness was well known but eventually her health declined. She moved into St. Paul’s Personal Care Home, where she resided until the end of her earthly journey. Victoria is survived by her children Madeleine (William) Heintz, their children Liana and Brian; Doreen Innes and her children Juanita, Brad, Roberta; Ethel Grymonprez and her children Reg and Clint; Karen Grymonprez (Jack Box); great grandchildren Cole, McKenzie, Cole, Terron, Jayme, Vincent, Connor, Joshua, Chloe, Hunter, Cordelia. Victoria was predeceased by her husband Cyril Grymonprez; parents Maxime and Euphrosine Simpson; siblings John James, Laura Ethel, Isabella, Marie Catherine, Maria Madeleine, Nora Eliza, William Norman; and many relatives and friends, too numerous to mention. Visitation was held Sunday, December 4, 2016, from 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm at the Chapel of Hemauer Funeral Home, The Pas. The funeral service was held, Monday, December 5, 2016, 10:30 am, Metis Hall under the auspices of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Cathedral, The Pas, Manitoba, with Rev. Paul Bringleson presiding. Music Ministry was provided by Rochelle Rydberg. Scripture readings were proclaimed by Jennifer Banhegy and Chloe Coté. Memories of the heart were shared by Juanita Coté. Honorary Pallbearers were all those in attendance. Interment followed at Lakeside Cemetery, The Pas, Manitoba. A reception followed at the Metis Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Diabetes Association, 200-310 Broadway, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3C 0S6, would be appreciated by Victoria’s family.