With deep sadness, we, her family, regret to announce the peaceful passing of Grace White on Sunday, February 15th, 2026, at the age of 78.  

She was born in New Waterford on May 7th,1947, to the late Arthur and Bernadette MacMillan. Grace was a woman of many talents. Anyone who knew her, be it for five minutes or 50 years, knew she had the gift of gab; she could talk to anyone about anything at any time. While there was no such thing as a quick phone call with her, Grace was always willing and ready to chat when someone needed a pick-me-up. She could put her hand to anything and was particularly great at knitting and quilting.  Many babies were welcomed into the world with one of her quilts. Over the years, she knitted hundreds of winter hats; it was almost impossible to visit without leaving with one, even in the heat of summer. Mom’s greatest talent, however, was her musical ability. Her beautiful voice was discovered at an early age, and she shared it with others her whole life. She started playing guitar in her teens and could be found strumming a tune at every party.  She directed her first choir of 300 children when she was still in high school and continued at Mt. Carmel/St. Leonard Parish for most of her life. She sang in many funeral choirs, believing that everyone deserved to have the gift of music as a celebration of their life.

What may have been lesser known about Grace was how resilient she was. When her husband Michael passed away unexpectedly in 2001, rather than wallow, she started a new job. While others her age were preparing to retire, Grace was learning how to give tech support while working for Stream. She won awards and high praise for her work while there. Grace also battled breast cancer twice and was a proud survivor, sharing her experience with others to help them through it. In 2024, she was diagnosed with non-alcoholic liver failure. As the illness progressed, she faced each setback with a determination to make the best of it and was always aware that others had it worse.  

Besides her parents, Grace was predeceased by her husband, Michael. She was also predeceased by her sister Joanie and brother Ernie. We take comfort in knowing they are all reunited now.

Grace will be forever missed by her children, Shauna Akerman and her husband Darrin, with whom she resided, as well as Carol Serroul and her husband, John, of Ottawa. She is also survived by granddaughters, Bronwyn and Rilla Serroul; “Nanny” will be fondly remembered and missed by the two of them. Grace leaves behind two sisters, Mary MacMillan and Peggy Sampson, who will miss their baby sister more than words can say. She will be mourned by her extended family, including her sisters-in-law, Doreen MacMillan, Roberta White, Brenda White; brother-in-law, Alex White and his wife Rose, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to her family, Grace will forever be missed by her best friend, Patricia (Tish) Campbell. 

As per her wishes, there will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place under the care and guidance of V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, New Waterford.  A Funeral Mass of celebration will be held on Friday, February 20, at 10 a.m. in the Parish Church of St. Leonard, Mount Carmel Avenue, with Father Godwin Obike officiating. A reception will follow at the KOC in New Waterford. Burial will be in Mount Carmel cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to New Waterford Combined Christmas Giving or a charity of your choice. 

Grace was always quick to help those less fortunate, even when she didn’t have much to give herself. To honour the kindness she showed others in her life, please perform a random act of kindness in her memory. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at:www.vjmcgillivray.ca.