GRACE BARBARA LOEPPKY (nee Dueck)
It is with great sadness we announce the peaceful passing of Grace Loeppky at the Saint Boniface Hospital on February 27, 2023 at the age of 82 years. She will be deeply missed by her husband John, daughters; Barb Metro (Don), Wendy McBey (Bob), Lorraine Grace-Keough (Simon), son Robert (Michele),
grandchildren; Laura (Ryan), Christopher, Jordyn (Ben), Shane, Chelsea (Pat), Megan, Ryan, Maddison, and her great-grandchildren; Carson, Owen, Landon, Parker, all of whom she loved with all her heart and was so very proud. Also mourning her loss are many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Mom was born in Winkler and lived in old St. Vital where she met Dad when she was just 12. He was a bit of a show-off and she loved the attention! While it took a bit of time for the head of the house to warm up to Dad, eventually he was invited in and even got socks that Christmas! Well, it didn’t take too long for Dad to realize the good thing he had, so married they did in 1959, and immediately started their family with the birth of Barb in 1960. Having four kids in five years Mom traded in her job at the Metropolitan Store for her new career as “Mom”! They made a perfect pair – Dad pulled extra trips to give us everything we needed, and Mom pulled extra shifts making sure all four kids were attended to. From mending cuts and scrapes, hemming jeans, cleaning house, and making sure we were all fed, healthy, and did our homework, Mom did it all. Consoling us when we were down and cheering us up - she was our biggest cheerleader! She cherished every minute with you and accepted everyone for who they were without judgement.
As her own kids grew, Mom continued to give by volunteering at Wendy’s school where she would read with the kids and help them with their spelling. She also started working at D’Allairds Clothing Store where she just loved working and making new friends. We enjoyed many camping trips over the years with the pop-up trailer pulled all over North America – all paid for with $2 bills Dad saved throughout the year. While we all enjoyed these trips immensely, it was a little nerve racking when Dad would yell “DRIVE” and he would immediately stick his head out the window with the movie camera, with Mom expected to grab the steering wheel from the passenger side to keep the car centered driving down the road – followed by four clicks of seatbelts from the back seat! It wasn’t until many years later, Mom decided to get her driver’s license. After a couple of attempts, we suggested she take the test from the passenger side from which she had the most experience!
Eventually their travel became the two of them, with destinations such as Hawaii meeting up with Dad’s brother Henry & wife Joyce, or travelling with long-time neighbours and friends Helen & Chris Young, where there were many trips south with just as many good times and memories. Having celebrated their 63rd Wedding Anniversary this past September, Mom and Dad made a terrific pair and were always the best role model. While Mom struggled with her health the past 12 years, she never lost her Christian faith and you never heard her complain. Dad’s love, care, and compassion for her was unwavering as he doted on her day and night – thank you Dad!
Mom, we love you, we already miss you tremendously, and we wish you safe travels.
Special thanks to all the wonderful medical staff who cared for Mom and gave her comfort. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Grace’s name to the Manitoba Lung Association or a charity of your choice. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit neilbardalfuneralhome.com (204) 949-2200.
Funeral Service will be held at 12:00 pm on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at Saint James Lutheran Church, 871 Cavalier Drive (NE corner of Hamilton & Cavalier) Winnipeg.