Greta Gropp

December 27, 1926 - December 29, 2015

Greta Gropp was born December 27, 1926 in Dunfermline, Scotland to Alex and Marjory Speed. A proud "Fifer", she immigrated to Canada in 1957. A single woman ready for an adventure, she said good-bye to her family and took a boat to Montreal followed by a train to Vancouver. Greta worked as a nurse at St Vincents Hospital and soon met Clifford at a dance hall they both frequented on weekends. Married in 1960, Greta started doing in-home childcare after daughter Heather was born. The family moved to Kelowna in 1975 and Greta continued offering childcare - affectionately known as "Grandma Greta" to many, many children. Greta and Cliff were active members of many community groups, including the NDP, the Okanagan Bird Club and the Water Street Retirement Centre. Greta was especially active at Water Street, winning many medals in carpet bowling and table tennis at Seniors Games throughout the province. She also returned to one of her favourite childhood activities, Scottish Country Dancing, and danced in many Folk Fests, ceilidhs and other celebrations.

In 2004, Greta moved to Victoria to be closer to family and, very soon, joined the Scottish Country Dance club and the Monterey Seniors Centre, continuing to carpet bowl and volunteer. She soon became friends with another Scottish lass, and Greta and Netta were soon inseparable. The "Bobbsey Twins" were frequent visitors to Tim Hortons, the casino and the Penny Farthing Pub. Greta was a passionate sports fan, ever loyal to the Canucks and a great fan of Andy Murray. Most importantly, she was a passionate 'granny', attending every ball game, dance recital, school play and band concert - the pride showing in her eyes.

Greta died peacefully at home, surrounded by her family, on December 29 shortly after being diagnosed with cancer. She was predeceased by Clifford and leaves behind many family and friends including daughter Heather, son-in-law Ian, her granddaughters and the absolute joys of her life, Hannah and Emily, her Scottish family (Colin, Marjory, Ian, Ian, Jennifer, James, Emily, Neil, Anne, Phemie, Finlay, Ross) and her extended families at both the Scottish Country Dance club and Monterey Seniors Centre. Special thanks to the amazing members of the Palliative Response Team for your guidance and support and also to Teresita (Tess), mum's companion for the last 7 weeks who helped us at home in so many ways.

Mum - thank you for teaching me that the glass is always half full, to keep walking, the simple pleasure of talc after a bath and, most importantly, that family is everything. A celebration of life will be held at Monterey Centre on January 16 at 2pm and all friends are invited. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Langara College Studio 58 scholarship fund or Free the Children.