Obituary of MOIRA GRAHAME

Moira Elizabeth Grahame passed away with her husband of 59 years by her side on Friday, May 20, 2022, at their home in Selkirk, at the age of 86 years.

She was predeceased by her son John, her parents, Mary and Wesley McGill and several beloved cousins.

Moira is lovingly remembered by her husband Gordon, her son Stephen (Pamela), her sister Glenda (Wayne), and her grandchildren Claire (Alex), Robyn and Spencer.

Moira was born in Rathwell, Manitoba and grew up in small towns around the province and spent her summers happily at her grandparents’ farm near Neelin, Manitoba.

She is a graduate of St. James Collegiate and the University of Manitoba, where she received a degree in Chemistry. She went on to work at Deer Lodge Hospital where she participated in medical research. Here, she also met Gordon and they married in St. James, moving to Birmingham, Alabama and London, England before returning to Winnipeg to raise their family.

Provincially and nationally, Moira represented people with mental handicaps and so many of the things we see today for people with disabilities are because of her – she made an enormous impact towards positive change.  For example, she was involved in Citizen’s advocacy for Manitoba, the Autism Society of Manitoba, and the Association of Community Living. She was instrumental in Manitoba’s Vulnerable Persons Act, which was enacted in 1991.

One of her proudest achievements was teaching people to be self-advocates, through People First and thus giving them a voice to help them fulfill and live their dreams. She honed her communication skills through International Training in Communications (ITC – Toastmistresses), eventually becoming head Parliamentarian at the International level.

Moira was a giant. People have stood on her shoulders. Her achievements in this area led to her being awarded the Queen’s Jubilee medal by Governor General Adrienne Clarkson.

Moira was also a very curious, creative, and loving person. She had many hobbies and interests. She was passionate about birdwatching, taking many trips to Oak Hammock Marsh with her family and with her husband later in life. Summers were spent at West Hawk Lake, surrounded by her favourite things: family, and nature. She loved her family deeply and enjoyed visiting and going on trips with them. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend.  We will all carry many memories, laughter, and shared chocolate fondues.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Inclusion Selkirk. Donation link can be found at www.inclusionselkirk.ca.  A private celebration is being held.