Margaret de Grace

Margaret de Grace Oct 30, 1947 - Mar 30, 2018 Born in Calgary, Marg spent her childhood in northern BC (Aleza Lake & Prince George), where she learned to love the outdoors: fishing, skiing and hiking. Post-secondary studies took her to Nelson, Simon Fraser and UBC, where she obtained a Masters degree in Community Planning. She also met her husband Allan there in her last year of studies. After marriage in 1979 and travels in Europe, she worked as a planning consultant in Vancouver. Their daughters Megan and Kathleen soon joined them to Marg's delight. The family moved to Australia for 2 years, followed by Toronto for 4 years before they returned to settle down in North Vancouver in 1992. By then Marg had developed an expertise in emergency preparedness planning , and she was hired as the first such planner by Vancouver General Hospital. There she helped to craft the development of model emergency plans that were applicable to many institutions across the country. During her life Marg has faced many personal health challenges with grace and determination. Diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 1992, she was always taking steps to maintain her fitness, despite the gradual toll it took on her. She also was afflicted by osteoarthritis and finally, COPD. Marg loved books, and was a voracious reader; she participated in a number of book clubs and developed many friendships through their gatherings. Her garden was also a source of joy - she would be outside rain or shine with boots muddy and hands dirty, tending her favorite plants. She was a loyal friend and enjoyed nothing better that a glass of wine and a long conversation with friends or family. She was proud of both her daughters for their creativity, caring nature and intelligence.Marg died peacefully at home in North Vancouver, dearly loved by her husband Allan and her family. She is survived by husband Allan Hepburn, daughters Megan (Alex) and Kathleen (Tyler), sister Frances de Grace, various in-laws (Irene Hepburn, Kathy de Grace, John Chapman) and numerous nieces and nephews. Thanks are extended to her many friends and family who have helped care for her and enrich her life. Thanks also to the Community Health Services Palliative Care team who provided support to her over the past year. Marg's dear friends Lois & Paul have organized a charity in her honour: donations may be directed to Parkinsons Society British Columbia: https://www.parkinson.bc.ca/shiftinggears A memorial service will be held at 12 noon, Saturday April 21st at Hollyburn Funeral Home, 1807 Marine Drive, West Vancouver; followed by a reception at 3pm at the family home, 484 East Kings Rd., North Vancouver.