PREECEVILLE — Grace Chase, resident of the Preeceville Long Term Care celebrated her 104th birthday surrounded by staff as the centre was still under a lockdown and not allowing any visitors.
Grace was born January 20, 1918, about 10 miles north of Stenen to Floyd and Hazel Washburn (nee Claypool), the eldest of eight children. One daughter deceased in infancy. Grace has precious memories of her childhood.
After attending Ormsby School to Grade 8, she married Fred Chase in 1936. They raised four children: Dennis (Helen), Shirley (Ken MacNaughton), Linda (Richard Hamilton) and Ronnie (Lorane). A son deceased at childbirth.
Grace and Fred had dairy cattle and managed them with the help of milking machines. Fred became ill and died in 1970, leaving Grace to fend for herself. She worked away as a cook with the CN Railway and as a cook at the motel in Preeceville. Grace married Merle Tanton in 1979 and they moved into their new home in Sturgis.
She took up photography as a hobby and the family enjoyed her talent, especially in the areas of scenery and families and neighbors, with a slide presentation on the projector screen. She also loved gardening and won many awards for her flowers. Grace sewed, loves card games and the senior centre activities.
Years after Merle died Grace moved to Park Place in Canora where she continued the things she enjoyed. Due to health reasons Grace later moved into LTC in Preeceville where she is quite content taking part in all available activities. Grace still loves to read, word puzzles, TV shows and visiting. She has had many health issues but keeps pushing on. She is mindful of her health and medication.
A positive attitude and enjoying the little things in life has kept her going for 104 years.
