Celebrant Pam Meily Vetter


	Celebrating Life Everyone Has A Story...

In 1927, Grace Colleen was born to Alma and Gordon Mackenzie in Portage la Prairie, Canada. Her father operated a mill and her mother was a homemaker. Gracie, as she was known to many, was raised in the small town of Rosser. She and her brothers, Hart and Donnie, enjoyed the beautiful outdoors. Her family was close knit and she had a wonderful childhood. In her youth, Gracie was a tomboy. She even played baseball on the boy's team. When she was 13 years old, Gracie's father unexpectedly passed away. After his passing, the family moved to Winnipeg so her mother could be closer to work.

One day, Gordie Audley met Gracie while they were ice skating at the same rink. Gordie "wiggled a phone number out of her" and they dated for two years. When Gordie went to the 1948 Olympic Games in Switzerland for Speed Skating, he bought an engagement ring for his Gracie. Gordie asked Gracie to marry him and she said, "Yes." The couple was married in July 1948 in Winnipeg. They spent two weeks in Minneapolis for their special honeymoon together. While Gracie worked in a bank, Gordie worked on the railroad or trained for the Olympics. In 1952, Gordie sent a telegram home to Gracie to tell her that he won a Bronze Medal at the Olympic games for Speed Skating in Oslo, Norway. She was so proud of her husband.

The couple welcomed their first child, Karey, in 1953, followed by their second child, Gordon "Rocky," in 1957. Gracie was always family oriented. She was a wonderful wife and an incredible mom. In July of 1957, the family moved to California for job opportunities. The family settled in Southern California. While the children were growing up, Gracie was very supportive of all of their dreams. She attended all of Karey's Gymnastics meets and Rocky's Baseball games. When Karey was offered an opportunity to travel to Europe for 5 weeks with her Gymnastics team, Rocky was also offered an opportunity to play on the All-Star Little League team. Gracie decided the kids would do both. Gordie went with Karey to Europe while Gracie stayed home with Rocky. Gracie supported many team fundraisers over the years with her baking talents. In fact, she just loved baking homemade cookies, cakes, and pies.

Gracie was a mom to so many people. She had a great influence on both Karey's and Rocky's schoolmates and friends. She was also a block mom in every sense, because her backdoor was always open to everyone in the neighborhood. If anyone needed to talk, Gracie was the one they turned to every time. She was supportive, kind, and loving. Gracie was so proud of her children because they both were successful and treated others with respect and love. She and Gordie also showered their grandchildren with love. Gracie was excited with the birth of each one: Laura, Brett, Kaitlyn, and Austin. They also enjoyed attending each one of their grandchildren's sporting events over the years. Gracie's life revolved around her children and her grandchildren's lives. It was her dream come true. Gracie will best be remembered as a caretaker to others, her giving spirit, and wisdom in living life. Memorial donations are welcome to The Miller Children's Hospital in Long Beach www.memorialcare.org/miller/about.cfm. For Gracie, it was always about the children...

Her husband, Gordon's memorial, is here.