We Remember
PALEY, Grace
August 31, 1939 — February 11, 2025
Grace Paley was born August 31, 1939, to Peter and Doris Sirnick in Regina, Sask. Eighty-five years later, on February 11, 2025, she left us, cradled by the love of her family, at Kelowna General Hospital in Kelowna, BC.
Mom lived a life woven tightly with the threads of love, family, and devotion. She was the cherished wife of Nick Paley, her partner in all things for 55 years, until his passing. Together, they built a life that reflected their values: kindness, laughter, and always, a full table. Her children: Sue (Randy) Roberts and Kelly Paley (Todd Rebalkin) of Maple Ridge, BC, and Darrin (Denise) Paley of Kelowna, BC, were her pride and joy, and she never let them forget it. She carried that same love forward to her grandchildren: Melissa (Christopher), Brendan, Dustin (Meg), Gregory (Colby), and Michael, and to her great-grandchildren: Kynlie, Declan, and Remington. Each new generation added a stitch to the ever-growing cross stitch of her family’s story.
Mom moved to the Toronto, ON area at an early age where she finished all of her school career including grade thirteen before meeting and marrying Dad. They moved their young family to Kelowna in 1968 and those strong Ontario ties shaped her spirit: steadfast, practical and generous. She was a woman of many talents. If you were lucky enough to receive one of her quilts, you knew it came not just with fabric and thread but with hours of care and countless memories stitched in, each family member was gifted one of these. She was never far from her knitting needles, crochet hook, or tapestry needles – always creating something beautiful for someone she loved.
And oh, could she cook. Mom’s kitchen was a paradise where flour turned into magic and saucepans bubbled with comfort. Her spaghetti and goulash weren’t just meals – they were traditions, handed down and savoured by all who sat at her table. Her perogie sessions – legendary – with family gathered around the table, an all day event. And baking! Let’s just say no one ever left her house without a second helping and a smile.
Mom’s life will be celebrated at a later date when the stories can flow, the laughter can ring, and the family she loved so dearly can gather together in her honour.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to COHA (Central Okanagan Hospice Association), hospicecoha.org.
The threads of Grace’s life – her love, her laughter, her warmth – will remain tightly woven into the hearts of everyone she touched.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area call “Condolences”.
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COHA (Central Okanagan Hospice Association) Link: hospicecoha.org
Condolences
I remember Grace and Nick through Kelowna Minor Softball. Grace used to make her own hamburger patties and they were so good. Nice was often on the ball field helping with the kids. I remember him catching Darrin’s pitches bare-handed. It seems to me they did a great job raising their three kids. Thinking of you kids,
Ross Kulak
Sue, Kelly, Darrin and family. My sincere condolences on the passing of your mom. I have many fond memories of a neighbor for many years. Jack.
I have so many memories of the infamous Altura Road days long past when the street insulated us kids and allowed us to play day and night, in the streets, behind houses, and into the woods beyond. My fondess of Grace extends through her lovely son, Darrin, whom remains dear in my heart to this day, as a wonderful friend. My heart goes out to her family – may her memories bring joy and love, and may that carry you through the tears and sadness.
My sincere condolences to Darren, Susie and Kelly and families. I remember Grace so well as our children intertwined in all of their activities in the early years. We lived across the street from each other in those early kid years. Grace was truly gifted with artistic talents and used and shared her talents. Grace taught me how to crochet, quilting, and to make yummy perogies. She was a superb seamstress and I remember her painting those delicate Ukrainian egg designs. I reflect on our friendship and the fun times we shared together .