Obituary of GRACE DE LA CUESTA PICUR

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our wife, mom, grandma, auntie, sister, and friend, Grace de la Cuesta Picur on July 31, 2023 at Seven Oaks General Hospital at the age of 82.

Grace will be lovingly remembered by her husband James, her children Michael and Mandee (Patrick), and her grandchildren Isabelle, Carter, and Katie. She also leaves numerous nephews, nieces, extended family and friends in Canada, the US and the Philippines.

She was predeceased by her parents Rosendo and Amanda Franco, stepmother Clarita Franco, mother-in-law Mary Picur, brothers Andres and Filimon Franco, sister Epifania Cosme, brother-in-law Diosdado Cosme Sr, and sister-in-law Nena Franco.

Grace was born in Manila, Philippines the youngest of four children. She graduated from the University of Santo Tomas with a degree in social work. Grace moved to Canada in 1967 where she first settled in Lynn Lake, Manitoba with her cousin Orlando, and worked as an elementary school teacher. She also lived for a short time in Leaf Rapids and then in Fort Alexander before moving to Winnipeg in 1969. Shortly after moving to Winnipeg, she began her 33-year career with the Manitoba Government Income Assistance Program as a social work counsellor, until her retirement in 2003.

She met and married her husband Jim of 52 years in 1971. They welcomed their first child Michael in 1973 and then 14 months later in 1974, Amanda (Mandee) was born. With two children and full-time work, Grace was a busy mom but always made family time her priority. She took many family trips to the Philippines and road trips to the US to visit family and friends.

In 2005, she was overjoyed to become a grandma, first with Isabelle in June and then Carter in October. Grace and Jim looked after the grandkids during the workweek from the time they were one-year olds until they were ready for kindergarten. In 2009, their youngest grandchild Katie was born. They also looked after Katie until she was ready for school. They enjoyed many activities with their grandchildren when they were young and had many sleepovers. The grandkids were her greatest joy and she would often talk (and brag) about them to anyone and everyone.

She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren and enjoyed family get-togethers with her nieces Zenaida (Rudy), Mindy (Ryan), and nephew Gerry (Liza) and their families.

After retirement, Grace joined the Good Neighbours Senior Centre and would often take classes and volunteer her time. She enjoyed the knitting club, Toastmasters, and Choristers. She also enjoyed singing in the choir at St. Gerard’s church. She was devoted to her faith in God and belonged to several prayer groups over the years including Couples for Christ and Handmaids of the Lord. Grace was a generous person and was always willing to give to others in need. She was passionate about her fundraising for ANCOP and other charities she supported throughout the years.

The family would like to thank the staff of GD5 & B2 of HSC for their care and compassion during her last few weeks with us. Also, a special thank you to the staff of HSC Dialysis Unit for taking care of her during her treatments. We would also like to thank our extended families and friends for your phone calls, texts, emails, and visits during this difficult time.

Lamay will be held on Thursday, August 10, 2023 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street, Winnipeg with prayers to begin at 7:00 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial and reception will be held on Friday, August 11, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic Church, 315 Munroe Avenue with Fr. Greg Mulligan as Celebrant. Interment to follow at Glen Eden Cemetery 4477 Main Street, West St. Paul.

If friends so desire, donations may be made to the HSC Children’s Hospital.