Grace Alethea Macaulay (nee Matthews), died peacefully in her 100th year, on January 14th, 2022 at Winchester Hospital. She was born on July 24th,1922 in Mitcham, Surrey, England, beloved daughter of Henry Leonard Matthews and Elizabeth Caroline Matthews (nee Merrett), and younger sister to Henry and Len who predeceased her. She was the loving wife of the late John Macaulay of Chesterville, Ontario.
Grace was a notable war bride. She was seventeen when war broke out and was working in London for the National Government. The London offices were moved to Eastbourne, a seaside resort, but during the war it was populated by soldiers and government workers. This is where she met John Macaulay, a private in the Canadian Black Watch regiment.
By 1941 John and Grace spent their time together whenever he was off duty and they married in 1943. In 1944 John was wounded and reported as missing in action. He ended up as a prisoner of war in Germany. In 1945 John was liberated and on VE day he returned to Canada. Grace was to follow, however passage to Canada was delayed for war brides, as troops were also returning home. The Montreal Standard newspaper wanted to cover the story of three war brides and by accepting this interview opportunity, she had to agree to be ready to leave at very short notice. She did not travel on the customary ocean liners that were bringing war brides to Canada, but instead sailed on a merchant ship. After a whirlwind of preparations, she was able to get home to London to say good bye to her father, but had no chance to say good bye to her two brothers who were still in the army. She was off to start a new life in Canada, with an unknown future ahead of her.
She arrived in Montreal and was met by her husband whom she saw for the first time in civilian clothes. They billeted with John's family but then moved from Montreal to Sherbrooke, then from Quebec to Toronto, and in 1950 they finally settled into a war time house in Saint Laurent, Quebec, to raise their young family. In 1959 they moved to Laval, Quebec where she worked as a part time teacher and John worked in security for Air Canada. They thoroughly enjoyed their ability to be able to travel back to England, and many other places, with family and friends. They initially retired in Finch, Ontario and then moved to Chesterville, Ontario.
Grace was actively involved with the Chesterville Women’s Institute, the Hospital Auxiliary, Garden Club, Historical Society and the Legion where she took part in many fundraising activities. She made strong friendships with many within her community and more recently with those in her building. She was an avid card player and was keen on learning to play bridge even into her nineties. She participated in pot luck dinners, enjoyed going on day trips, and anticipated the weekly delivery of her favorite Boston Cream Tim Horton doughnut. Grace will be remembered for her love of large family gatherings, her beautiful flower gardens, her wry humour, and the love and pride she shared for her family. Grace - known on the local football circuit as Delsey – loved the sport and even in her last weeks, continued to track the games and make her own picks for the pool.
Grace is survived by three boys Ian (Cher), Peter (Judy). Fraser (Suzanne), five grandchildren [Jessica, Shayne (Rachel),Christopher (Julie),Shawn, Courtney (Jon)] eight great-grandchildren (Myles, Kaleb, Brodie, Leo, Georgia, Gabriel, Crosby, Abigail) and numerous nieces and nephews. Arrangements for a celebration of life are being planned for this spring or summer, with internment following at Beechwood Cemetery.
The family is grateful to the residents of Nationview for faithfully looking out for Grace, for Mathilda’s weekly grocery shopping and cleaning services, the Homecare staff who attended to her care needs, and Dr. Bhagirath for his home visits, all of whom together allowed her to remain in her sunny apartment for as long as she was able. Thanks to the staff at the Winchester District Memorial Hospital for the kindness and great care that she received during her short time there.