Grace Sparry celebrates 100th Birthday
by Susan Stein

On Wednesday, Aug. 23d, Grace Sparry celebrated her 100th Birthday with a visit with her friends Gladys, Janey, Reta and Susan (me) at her residence at Wood Park Retirement Home in Barrie.

This was her actual birthday date, but a special birthday party was held for her on Saturday, Aug. 19 by the residents and staff of Woodland Park.

Although hard of hearing and failing eyesight, Grace's joyous attitude and contentment with life, her pleasure of receiving her friends, made this visit so very special.

It was this contentment with life, her ability to adjust, her sunny outlook, her faith,which guided her through 100 years.

Grace was born in Brighton, England and it was here during the war, that she met a handsome Canadian soldier Alfred Sparry at her cousin's home.

It did not take long for the two to realize, that they were meant for each other. And so before Alfred had to go back to the war zone, they were married in Brighton's church.

After Alf was decomissioned, he had to return to Canada with his company.

In 1946 Grace followed together with other English war brides and the young couple settled in a home, close to the Jebb family farm.

After living in Cookstown for a short while, they decided to move to England in 1954.

In 1967 it was back to Cookstown to a lovely house on Hamilton St., where they lived until moving to Woodland Park retirement home.

Alfred (who passed away a few years ago) and Grace were blessed with two daughters: Susan and Linda.

Linda lives in Barrie with her husband Al Elford, and Susan with husband David Morse live in Halifax. For Grace, to have Linda so close, to have her support in every way, is very dear to her. And a special joy to her is a visit from Susan and David and their daughter Jennifer brings much joy to her.

On top of flowers, cakes and presents, Grace received framed Birthday congratulation Certificates from Michaelle Jean Gov. Gen. of Canada, from James Bartleman Lt. Gov. of Ontario and from Joe Tascona MPP Barrie/Simcoe.

To look at Grace's lovely face with the proverbial smooth, pink complexion of an English girl, one can understand Alf's immediate attraction to her.

God bless you Grace!