Passed away peacefully at Hastings Manor in Belleville on December 30, 2021 in her 94th year.
Loving wife of 62 years to the late Judge J.L. Clendenning. Dear mother to daughter Deane O’Grady (Mike predeceased April 22, 2021) and son Michael Clendenning, predeceased September 12, 2021, (survived by Marie Fortune). Beloved grandmother of Kate Mooibroek (Ron), Ellie Wice (Jeff), Lee Parks (Christine) and Krystle Humphrey (Phil). Fondly remembered by step-grandsons Christopher O’Grady (Andreia) and Jeffrey O’Grady (Rebecca). Cherished GG of Lily, MacKenzie, Quinlyn, Connor, Eli and step-GG to Leigha, Sam, Logan and Kiera. Grace is predeceased by her 8 siblings; Olive Mawdsley, Dan, Woodrow, Charlie, Garfield, Enver, Graham and Carl.
The youngest daughter of George and Laura Burton of Sebright, Ontario; Grace was born in Sadowa on January 3, 1928, north of Orillia, growing up on a farm prior to meeting her husband, Les Clendenning. The couple moved to Toronto in 1959 to further their careers and raise their 2 children. In her younger years she worked for Bell Canada, as a switch board operator in Orillia and later for Tilden Rent-A-Car in downtown Toronto. Grace and husband Les, moved to Belleville, Ontario in 1972, purchasing and resorting an 1833 farm on the 7th Concession in Plainfield where they bred and raised Blonde d’ Aquitaine cattle giving her title of Chief Herdsman - “Cattlemen prefer blondes”
In her retirement she and the Judge travelled to every corner of the world until they settled in Belleville to enjoy boating life on the Bay of Quinte. She was an avid gardener, enjoyed spending time with the children and walking her little dog Molly. Aptly named Grace and fondly called Gracie; her graciousness and loving nature will continue to shine in the memories of her family and many friends. As per Grace’s wishes a celebration of her life will be held at the St. Andrew’s-St. James Cemetery in Orillia on Saturday August 27, 2022 1 PM. Interment will follow. Arrangements entrusted to Mundell Funeral Home (705-325-2231), 79 West Street N. Orillia ON L3V5C1