With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Grace Ethel Rosina Hale (Bassett) born June 23, 1915 in London England who passed away on September 14th, 2013 in East Kootenay Regional Hospital.
Grace served as the Manager of the American Red Cross at Shipdam Airbase in England from 1940 - 1945. She met the returning aircrew after they had completed their bombing raids on Germany. Grace would greet the crew with fresh coffee, donuts and she provided evening entertainment to them by playing piano and singing.
Grace married Richard Hale on December 22, 1948. They immigrated to Canada with two young children and her mother-in-law in 1955 arriving in Aneroid, Saskatchewan, and relocating to Cranbrook in 1958.
Grace volunteered as the trusted treasurer for Cranbrook Hospital Auxiliary for over 25 years. Tuesday was her volunteer Thrift Shop day which she did well into her 80’s. Grace’ s creative and artistic side took many forms. To name only a few: weaving, painting, sewing, drawing and gardening. Most dear to her heart was music, Grace was a true musician and felt it in her soul. She was a talented singer and spread the gift of her music to many people by teaching and playing piano. She also enjoyed, hiking and snowshoeing. Nature provided great pleasure and many hours were spent by herself and Richard at Fort Steele.
Grace had two children she adored, loved and cherished. David her son, and Judith her daughter were the light of her life. Later she received the gift of 4 grand daughters, and in her 97th year she met and fell in love with her great grand daughter.
Grace leaves to mourn, her sister Vera Shaefer, her two children David Hale (Sue) and Judith de Lange ( Luke), 4 granddaughters Sandi, Heather, Clare, Misty (Peter Leibel) one great grand daughter Sydney, and also Hunter, who was very dear to her. She was predeceased by her loving husband Richard Hale in 2005 and her mother-in-law Olive Agnes Hale ‘Granny’.
In our hearts you always stay,
Loved and remembered every day.
A Celebration Of Grace’s Life, with an afternoon tea, will be held on Wednesday, September 18, 2013 at McPherson Funeral Home in Cranbrook at 2:00 pm