Grace Munro
November 8, 1937 – September 27, 2026
Grace Munro passed away on September 27, 2026 at the age of 88.
Born in rural Saskatchewan during a November blizzard, Grace was the daughter of Jacob and Hilda Mantler. She grew up with her sisters, Lucille and Elaine. Her father was a rural schoolteacher, and Grace completed Grades 1 through 6 in one-room schools where he taught. After the family moved to Maple Creek in 1949, he also taught her in Grades 7 and 8.
After high school, Grace completed a secretarial course and worked for a year in Moose Jaw. She soon discovered that office work was not for her. Following a year at Bible College in Regina, she found her calling as a teacher and earned a Bachelor of Education degree.
Grace began her teaching career at Sheldon-Williams Collegiate in Regina. The following year, she moved to Brooks, Alberta, where she taught English and met her future husband, Cliff. They later moved to Edmonton while Cliff completed his degree.
After the heartbreaking loss of their first child, who was stillborn at eight months, Grace and Cliff moved to Sexsmith, Alberta. They spent four years teaching at Sexsmith High School, where Grace taught English and Cliff taught mathematics. They also ran the library, coached and welcomed their daughter Heather.
The family then moved to Fort Smith, Northwest Territories, where Grace and Cliff taught at Joseph Burr Tyrell High School. Three years later, their daughter Lynette was born. They subsequently moved to La Ronge, Saskatchewan, after purchasing a remote fly-in fishing camp on the north shore of Lac La Ronge. Grace took on the demanding work of caring for guests and helping maintain the cabins, boats, docks and lodge.
In December 1973, Cliff was travelling by air to Cumberland House for his work with the Saskatchewan government when his plane failed to arrive. After a four-week search, the aircraft and its occupants were found in snow-covered muskeg.
Grace settled the family’s affairs and raised Heather and Lynette on her own. She returned to the fishing camp and operated the lodge alone for one final summer before moving with her daughters to Saskatoon. She resumed teaching as a teacher-librarian in Hague and completed a second degree in English literature.
After retiring in 1997, Grace enjoyed travelling. Her adventures included trips throughout the United States, three European tours and visits to Australia and Thailand. She later moved to Luther Tower in Saskatoon, where she was warmly welcomed.
Grace’s Christian faith was an important and enduring part of her life. Over the years, she found fellowship and community through the Alliance Church, and her faith remained a source of strength and comfort throughout both the joys and hardships of her life.
Grace will be lovingly remembered by her daughters, Heather Dietz and her husband, Corey, and Lynette Stanley-Maddocks and her husband, Ian; her grandsons, Silas and Cooper Stanley-Maddocks; and her extended family and friends.
She was predeceased by her husband, Cliff; their infant child; her parents, Jacob and Hilda Mantler; and her sisters, Lucille Katzman and Elaine Kaminski.
Grace’s family extends heartfelt thanks to the amazing staff at Luther Tower in Saskatoon and Green Falls Landing in Regina, and to the Palliative Care staff at Pasqua Hospital, for the kindness and care they gave Grace.
Grace will be laid to rest at Dalmeny Community Church Cemetery on October 9, 2026 and there will be a small memorial gathering for family and friends to follow. Please contact family for time and location.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Grace’s memory may be made to the Palliative Care program through the Regina Hospitals Foundation memorial donation page.
Arrangements entrusted to Dalmeny Funeral Home 306-254-2022.
12 Responses
This is a beautiful obituary for a very lovely woman. We are thinking of the family at this difficult time. May the joyful memories you hold be a balm as you grieve. Love, Laura, Dennis, Emma, Amanda
Heather and Lynette, your mom was a fabulous light in this world … sharp-witted, unapologetically herself, warm, so full of good humour and love! She knew how to live and have a good conversation and laugh. Wishing you strength and peace in the days ahead.
When I think of your mom Heather, I think of how you light up with love and admiration for her, and in a way I have never seen someone do that for their parent. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Grace, (Mrs. Munro to me) was a true mentor and friend. She was my grade 5 teacher and the school librarian at Hague Elementary when I attended there. Grace saw my need for a friendship in school and graciously welcomed me to be her library helper. Many days were spent in her library office sorting books and talking. Grace and I exchanged penpal letters over a span of at least a year and she coached me through many difficult times as a child. Later in life she mailed me the envelope that contained all of the letters I had wrote her. She had saved them for over 25 years! She was very special to me and I will miss her.
Heather and Lynette, your mother was a truly special person and will be missed. Thinking of you both during this difficult time and sending you much love.
Dear Heather and Lynette,
I am thinking of you both and sending my deepest condolences during this difficult time. While we haven’t been able to see each other or Grace very often, I always remembered her wonderful smile and her incredibly kind voice whenever our paths did cross. I know how deeply she loved her family, and how much she will be missed. Keeping you both in my thoughts and sending much love your way as you honour her life.
With deepest sympathy, Carla
It was my good fortune to meet Grace in the early 1980s as a partner in education sharing a grade 6 class at Hague Elementary. It was a pleasure to partner with her classroom creativity, enthusiasm and love of students. Grace’s other half time was as school librarian where her responsibilities included coordinating library resources to the curriculum of each grade. This entailed working closely with each teacher. Grace was such a master at this that she was soon asked to lead library workshops for other school divisions. This culminated in Grace receiving the Connie Acton Award as the most outstanding school librarian in Saskatchewan. On the personal side, Grace and I shared many personal stories and one thing constantly came front and centre from her.. it was her unbounded unconditional love, pride and admiration for her daughters. It was my privilege to know Grace not only as a gifted supportive colleague but also as a loyal and trusted friend.
Roger McRae
Grace never gave us grief when we snuck booze out of her stash !!! Even when we got lynny drunk when she was like 13 !!!! Ill miss her greatly!!! Our suppers over the years were always awesome !!!!
Heather, I only had the privilege of meeting Grace in person a couple of times, but it was easy to see what a wonderful human she was. She was obviously proud of you, and I know from the many times you talked about her, how much she means to you. I am thinking of you every day and hoping your many wonderful memories help heal your pain.
Heather and Lynette: I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your Mom. Grace was truly an amazing person and lived life to the fullest. She was charming, witty, thoughtful and kind. Le-Roy and I truly enjoyed our times with her at our cottage at Candle Lake as well as the times we visited with her in your home, Heather. May your cherished memories of your Mom, sustain you as you grieve and celebrate her life. Our deepest sympathy.
Dear Heather and Lynette, I am so sorry for your loss. We will miss Aunt Grace, she was always so kind to us.
Gods blessings at this time.
Mrs.Munro was the best librarian! I remember her enthusiasm reading to us at library time. I will always remember her vibrant nature and positive attitude! Also, what sticks out to me is how her nails were always painted, makeup done and she was always put together! As a young girl I especially took notice of her bright lipstick! I thought that must be what made her so easy to listen to! When I think of your loved one, it brings a smile to my face! She is remembered with love and fondness!
My prayers are with you as you grieve this beautiful woman! God’s blessings to you all!