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June 7, 1928 - July 4, 2019
With remarkable strength and gentle acceptance, our mother gave us her love and left without regrets on July 4th, 2019. She was at peace with what was next, she was ready. Born in Saskatchewan, mom was raised on the family farm with her sister Dorothy and brother Don; she was the baby. Mom had fond memories of riding her horse Topsie to the one-room schoolhouse, taking pride in her daily chores, and making ice cream the old-fashioned way as reward. They were important lessons. Her childhood shaped her independent character, and she was our loving matriarch for 91 years.
Our family arrived in Nanaimo in 1967 when Dad took on the role as manager of People's Jewellers in Harbour Park Mall. Together our parents purchased and ran Grassick's Jewellers on Commercial Street, working side by side until their retirement. Mom loved golfing with the girls, 5 & 10 pin bowling, knitting & crocheting (everyone has a little something made with love). In fact, she was an avid sportswoman who could always be found cheering from the bleachers for her children, grand-kids, and great-grand-kids. And she loved the Dallas Stars! Mom made friends easily and always took time to express her appreciation for the goodness in others - she had a kind heart, full of gratitude.
Her priority, as she taught each of us, was family. Family is first, every time. Grateful for her example and her love are daughters Nancy Johnston (Doug) & Wendy Maclachlan (Rick) and sons Randy & Brian (Debbie). She could not have loved her grandchildren more: Kristie (Bill), Michael (Sheri), Kelly (Julie), Scott (Leah), Brenden, Corey (Kaili), Jordan, and Tyler. She was the perfect "GG" to her great-grandchildren: Isaac, Owen, Nathan, Adelaide, Sophia, Ryder, Eliza, Jamie, Anna, and a little one on the way. She is also dearly loved by many cousins, nieces, nephews, and close friends.
She'll have the biggest smile to once again see her sweetheart Glenn Forbes, her son Gerry Forbes, and her dear daughter-in-law Arlene Forbes. She had a good life, she felt fortunate, she appreciated the love and joy she was blessed with, and for that we are also grateful. We are truly lucky to have been a part of her life. Our sincere thanks to the home care nurses who showed our mother dignity and kindness and to the NRGH Palliative Care professionals for their compassion and friendship. If you wish to express your condolences, consider a donation to a cause close to your heart. The family will pay tribute to this great lady together at a private gathering but thank you for your caring thoughts.



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