Winifred GRAYSTON

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GRAYSTON: Winifred Lockhart. Win passed away on July 25, 2009 at BRHC due to complications from a fall. Win was born on January 4, 1928 to William and Leonora Grayston of Newdale, Man. She was the youngest of four children, Mary, Amy and John. Win began her elementary school years in Newdale and spent a few years at Ruperts Land Girl's School in Winnipeg, Man. After high school graduation, she went on to the University of Toronto to pursue her education in Occupational Therapy. She worked in various locations includingBuffalo, NY, Regina, and in Vancouver where she went on to become a faculty member of the University of British Columbia in the School of Medical Rehabilitation. In 1978, Win returned to Brandon with her mother, Leonora Grayston and was employed by Community Therapy Services until her early retirement in 1990. Win was involved with numerous organizations over the years including Citizen Advocacy, Brandon Natural History Society, on the board of directors for Hobbs Manor and a faithful member of St. Mary's Anglican Church. Win served on many committees at St. Mary's and was an active member of the choir until her death. Win was an avid traveller and had travelled to Europe, the Barbados, Jamaica and many times to England to visit friends and family. Win also enjoyed playing golf and even taught her older brother John to play. Baseball was a life-long passion of Win's with many summer weekends spent watching the Riverside Canucks and in later years, The Oak River Dodgers. Win was also a great supporter of her great-nephews, Adam and Brett's ball teams. Win also enjoyed watching figure skating competitions whether it was on television or if she and her dear friend, Fay Richardson of Regina, were able to travel to various venues. Win remained committed to her small town roots in Newdale. For many years she and her mother maintained a summer home there that we affectionately called the "cottage". Win and Gran would travel home from Vancouver for a month's vacation to visit family and friends. These vacations were often the high point of our summer's as there would be picnics at Sandy Lake and golf games at Rapid City. Win is survived by sisters, Mary Kruse-Steer of Seattle, Washington, Amy Mitchell of Brandon and sister- in-law, Idabel Grayston of Banff, Alberta. Several nieces and nephews also survive: Douglas (Betty) Kruse, Duncan (Alison) Kruse, Mel (Flo) Collier, Lew (Heather) Collier, Wynn Collier (Goldwyn Jones), Norm (Marg) Grayston, Marg Alfred, Garry (Gabriela) Grayston, and Isobel (Al) Gregoire. Win was predeceased by her parents, William (1943) and Leonora (1980) Grayston and her brother, John Grayston in 2006. Funeral service was held on July 31, 2009 at St. Mary's Anglican Church with Rev. John Dolloff officiating. Private burial occurred at the south Newdale Cemetery prior to the service. Active pallbearers were hernephews, Garry Grayston, Duncan Kruse, Mel Collier, and Lew Collier. All in attendance were considered honorary pallbearers. Funeral lunch was providedby St. Mary's ACW. Memorial donations can be made to St. Mary's Anglican Church 401-1st Street, Brandon, Manitoba, R7A 2W8; Doctors Without Borders, 402-702 Spadina Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 2T9; and Occupational Therapy Department, University of Toronto, Division of University Advancement, 21 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON. M5S 3J3.Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangementswere with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.

As published in Brandon Sun on Aug 15, 2009