November 10, 1954 – September 7, 2017
Grabiec, Wendy Marie – Peacefully at Toronto General Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer on Thursday, September 7, 2017, in her 63rd year. Loving sister to Chris (John) and Les (Brenda), and aunt to Nicole and Deanna. Special “sister” and friend to Helen and family. Wendy will be sadly missed by Carol, Laura, Andrea and families; April, John and families and many many cousins, friends and former students who touched her life. Wendy was a dedicated teacher, librarian, principal and mentor to many students in the HWCDSB. Friends will be received by the family on Saturday evening from 6-9 and Sunday afternoon and evening 2-4 & 7-9 at the Turner Family Funeral Home, 53 Main Street, Dundas. Funeral Mass will be held Monday morning at 10 o’clock at ST. AUGUSTINE’S CHURCH, 58 Sydenham Street, Dundas. Cremation to follow. Expressions of sympathy to Camp Marydale would be appreciated.
Our deepest condolences to Ms Grabiec’s family and friends. She was a wonderful principal at St. Margaret Mary. Her professionalism was always appreciated. Matthew McCallum and family (Class of 2008)
My deepest sympathy to Wendy’s family and friends. Wendy was a very special lady, full of fun and enthusiasm, great to teach with and wonderful to have as a friend.
Our deepest condolences to the family. We loved Wendy at St. Margaret Mary School. Her hands on approach with every detail of the school community made her outstanding and appreciated.We shared a lot of laughter and memorable moments together.Wendys love for her family and her school family will never be forgotten. Rest in peace my friend.
Chris and family, So very sorry to read of Wendy’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Marianne (Prince) Noakes
My sincere condolences to her family and close friends I fondly remember Wendy in grade 9 and 10 cafeteria at Bishop Ryan. And later working together under her principalship at STMM school. Millie Boccadoro
Sincere condolences to Wendy’s family and her large ‘extended family’ of friends. Wendy wrapped a circle of love and friendship around us and showed us to live life to the fullest no matter what. She was an exemplary educator and gave it her all. As ‘Super Auntie’ to Nicole and Deanna, Wendy blazed a trail for the next generation to follow. She will be missed but her love of fun and active play continues in her care for Camp Marydale.
“Well done, good and faithful servant, because thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will place thee over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” Matthew 25:21
Our deepest condolences to you all. Rest In Peace my tenacious, brave, wonderful friend. I will miss you terribly. and always carry the lessons on how to live life to the fullest in my thoughts. How blessed I have been to have had you in my life for all these years.
Kathy, Aiden and Family.
Heartfelt sympathy to Wendy’s family. She was a dear friend of mine for over 40 years. I watched her bloom as a first-year teacher in Hagersville. One could immediately see that she was destined for better things. Wendy was such a conscientious worker and so dedicated to her profession. I was just thinking of her the first day of school on September 5th and remembered how diligently she worked to get her classroom organized those first few years. It was nothing for Wendy, the perpetual nighthawk, to still be at school until midnight. Indeed, I cannot imagine life without this very talented, kind, adventuresome, and wonderful friend. I also admired her courage as she fought to live every day to the fullest these last few years. My family and I will miss her terribly.
My sincerest condolences to family and friends.
Wendy was an involved and lively member of the Bishop Ryan High School and a good neigbour at St. John’s Parish. She was an outstanding educator as well. Condolences to Chris and Les. I have previous commitments and cannot attend the visitation or funeral, but offer my prayers and condolences to Chris and Les.
Our deepest sympathy to the Grabiec family. Wendy was a women who always spoke from her heart. She loved her family and adored her friends. May you rest in peace.
Sincerest condolences to Grabiec family. Neighbours from Edgemont South when Grabiec children were little toddlers . Have not seen in years, however , remember as great family.
Sympathy from all our family. Philip, Paul and Joanne and families.
Our sincere condolences to Wendy’s “Grabiec-Khees-Dubik-Downey-Swan-Tremblay” Family. Wendy’s dedication to those for whom she cared and loved and her zest for life shone brightly. Her tenacity and amazing strength were inspirational for me.
Sincerely, Brenda Guagliano and Family
May perpetual light shine upon her! May her soul and the souls of all the faithfully departed, through the abundant mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen
Dear Chris and Les and family: My deepest sympathies on the loss of Wendy. I remember her well as a fellow good person from St. John’s and Bishop Ryan. I know of her wonderful dedication to kids as a teacher and principal. We had many good talks about teaching, learning, faith and gift of Resurrection. May she rest in peace.
Love and prayers,
Rev. Paul Sims, C.R., Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Ed Leadership,
Concordia University of Chicago
Chicago, Illinois.
My deepest sympathy to Wendy’s family and friends. She was an amazing woman and a wonderful role model. I have fond memories of Wendy as my Principal at St. Vincent de Paul. Julie Sanderson
Our Deepest Sympathies to Chris and Les. Our thoughts and prayers are with You at this difficult time. Paul D’Aurelio
Our deepest sympathy to Wendy’s family and friends.Whenever I visited Wendy’s school in my role as Math Consultant I I always felt truly welcome each and every time. This was directly related to the tone and atmosphere that Wendy was able to set through her generosity,openness and natural professionalism.
I arrived one morning at 7:30am to get ready for a half day of seminars with Wendy’s teachers only to find Wendy helping the caretaker salt the front entrance where the school bus let the students off. Wendy was a professional who led by example and her commitment to teachers ,kids and indeed the school community at large was clearly recognizable in everything that she did. God Bless! May you rest in peace!
Deepest sympathy to Chris and Les and your families too with the loss of your sister, sister in law and Aunt Wendy.
Wendy was definitely a role model to so many over her “short” lifetime and in her final chapter still a teacher to the end as she “gave life that great fight.” Wendy’s memory will live on in your hearts for sure, but you can be rest assured she will live on in the hearts of those people she influenced. Wendy we shall miss you but we are so blessed for having had you in our lives!
Chris and John, Les, Brenda and family; Please accept our deepest sympathy for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
My deepest condolences to Brenda, Les and family! Thinking of you all in on the loss of your loved one.
Andrena Murphy
Very saddened to learn of Wendy’s passing. We go back many years when the Grabiec family lived on Edgmount South and always welcomed me like a member of the family. And years later Wendy and I had many pleasant chats while at our family cottages on Kuiack Lake, sharing our educational experiences. Was delighted when she chose education as her profession, and will always have fond memories of a bright, intuitive, caring and giving young woman.
My deepest sympathy and condolences to Chris, Les, all members of the family, colleagues and friends.
Gone far far too early.
May you rest in peace Wendy.
Richard Szymczyk
Our thoughts and prayers are with Wendy’s family and friends as we say goodbye to a wonderful person… and a great babysitter!
Forever in my thoughts, Wendy, my wonderful Canadian friend, who joined me on so many adventures across the world.
All my family and friends here in England send their deepest sympathy to Chris & John, Les & Brenda, Nicole & Deanna, Helen, Carole and all the family.
My deepest sympathy to the Grabiec Family. Wendy and I have known eachother since Grade 1 at St. John’s. We continued to be friends at Bishop Ryan, McMaster University and during our teaching years. We certainly shared many fond memories! Her generosity and caring nature for students will always be remembered, particularily as a long time member of the Christmas Charities Committee. Our shopping trips for this committee will remain as some of my most memorable and happy times. Wendy truly was a genuinely warm and considerate person. God bless!
Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go to Wendy’s family and friends. I was so lucky to meet Wendy through my friend Louise and shared some wonderful times and holidays together, always adventures filled with laughter and fun.
I am very proud and lucky that Wendy was part of my life and a friend.
Wendy may have left us but her spirit will always shine brightly and be with us all always.
God bless you Wendy.
Our deepest, sincere condolences go out to Wendy’s family and friends. She was a dedicated and spiritual leader and she left this world a better place. My two sons were touched by her dedicated leadership as principal of St. Mark School in Stoney Creek. Wendy had a deep love and concern for youth. You are all in our prayers.
Our deepest sympathy to Wendy’s family. We knew her during her time at St. Vincent de Paul and crossed paths several times thereafter. Her faith, her leadership and caring for others will be remembered.
Donna and Joselin Marcaccio
Dear Brenda, Les, Nicole and Deanna,
We are so very sorry for your loss. I recall well how important Wendy was in your lives and what a caring person she was. I also worked with her briefly and appreciated her dedication to her school. You are in our prayers.
Marie and Pat Pringle
My heartfelt sympathy to Wendy’s family. I was saddened to hear of Wendy’s passing.
I remember of her wonderful smile and laugh that in turn made me smile. Janet Di Bernardo
My sincere condolences for your loss of such a wonderful woman. Wendy was always very helpful and had an amazingly huge heart. I was lucky enough to have the pleasure of working with her before she retired. She will be sadly missed. Melanie Hill and family
I’m sorry I’m just seeing this now. Wendy was an amazing woman who supported so many children and families in her life. We had children attending St Marks. We also did foster care and brought some extremely challenging children thru the doors of that school when Wendy was Principal there. She took everyone of them as students without any delay or questions asked. She was an amazing woman and I will always remember her and be thankful she was part of my life. She devoted all she could to everything she did.
Hello Ms. Grabiec: As a listen to Christmas music, I remember with love my first Christmas in Canada, and how welcome you made me feel to the country and to St. Mark’s community. We love you and miss you.
Wendy I remembered you as a VP at St.Vincent De Paul CES and you were the most funniest person I’ve seen there, I loved hearing your voice and your smile I still think of you in back of my mind at times.
Thank you for letting me be part in your life 🙂