The family of Grace Muriel Mills (Curtis), widow of Anderson “Scully” Mills, announce her passing on December 22, 2021 at Bridgeview Hall, Miramichi, NB.
Born in Chatham, NB on June 21, 1928 she was the daughter of Elijah Curtis and Muriel MacDonald.
Grace is survived by daughters Mary Jayne and Nancy Mills of Miramichi, son Michael Mills (Donna) of Barnaby River, NB and son-in-law Ronald “Di”Despres of Miramichi; nine grandchildren - Christopher Brown (Kathy) of Moncton, NB, Melanie Gibbs (Keith) of Escuminac, NB, Andrea Acres(Chris) of Morinville, AB, Todd MacDonald(Janet) and Tammy Craik (Vince) of Miramichi, Michael Mills (Lacey) of Moncton,NB, Brandi Pickering (Mike) of Ingersoll, ON, Sara Despres (Kyle) of Beaverbrook, NB and Alex Despres of Miramichi. She also leaves behind twenty-one great-grandchildren and three great-great grandsons as well as several nieces and nephews.
Besides her parents and husband, she was predeceased by two daughters, Audrey Mills and Susan Despres , her brother Hallie Curtis and sisters Jean Jamer and Clara Croft.
Over the years, Grace was involved in a number of organizations: Canadian Association of the Mentally Retarded (CAMR), RCL Branch #3 Ladies Auxiliary, St Michael’s CWL, Hotel Dieu Ladies Auxiliary and the Silver Link Rebekah Lodge #61 where she held the position of Noble Grand.
Before marrying Scully, Grace was a Linotype Operator for the Commercial World newspaper in Chatham, NB. After his death in 1975 she decided to pursue a lifetime dream of graduating from high school by acquiring her GED certificate in 1981. She then went on to work as a Proofreader for Northumberland News for many years, she also worked in retail at Dickson’s Style Shop in Chatham,NB.
Anyone who knew Grace would agree that she loved to shop and was always impeccably dressed. She especially loved to take her granddaughters shopping and always included dining out. To this day the girls still debate over who was Gram’s favourite. Mom was an avid reader and enjoyed cross word puzzles and a good game of cards, especially Canasta. She was an accomplished quilter, her stitches were precise, tiny and perfect. To be gifted one of Mom’s quilts was quite an honour.
Grace was kind and caring and treated visitors like family, everyone was welcome in our home. She loved music especially anything sung by an Irishman. She looked forward to the Irish Festival each year and and never missed a night and of course had to go to the Wing and Ben’s afterwards. She had the honour of being the only person to have a reserved stool at Ben’s, courtesy of Michael O’Reilly.
More than anything Grace loved her children and grandchildren. She took pride in each and every one of their accomplishments and attended as many birthdays, graduations and weddings as possible. Mom was the heart of the family and will be missed by all. Rest In Peace Amazing Grace.
Jayne, Nancy & Mike would like to thank the staff at Bridgeview Hall for the kindness and care they provided to Mom in the past number of years. We know she had her bad days and really appreciate your patience with her.
Funeral and internment will be held at Saint Mary's Anglican Church, on Wednesday July 4, 2022 at 1:00pm. Honorary pallbearers are: Fred W Curtis, Bill Hogan, Richard Hogan, Nick and Fran Woelke, Joyce Forbes, Raymond Croft, Tilly O'Neil, Agnes O'Neil, Joe Brennan, Mike O'Reilly, John Walsh, Ronald (Di) Despres.
As expressions of sympathy, donations in Grace’s name may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, the Heart & Stroke Association or a charity of your choice.
Arrangements are under the care of Maher's Funeral Home. Telephone 773-4321 or www.mahersfh.com