PEDERSEN – Clara Grace Pedersen of Brooks passed away peacefully the morning of September 1st, 2018 at the Brooks Hospital Centre Long Term Care at the age of 98 years. Grace was born December 27th, 1919 in Hardy, Nebraska to David and Marie Christiansen originally from Bindslev and Uggerby, Denmark. Grace was baptized January 1st, 1920 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Ruskin, Nebraska. On March 31st, 1930, Grace crossed the Canadian border with her family to begin a new life in Tilley, Alberta. She lived with her parents as they farmed and was confirmed April 14th, 1935 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Tilley. As a young adult she worked a number of jobs in the Brooks and Tilley area including nanny, maid, and assistant cook for a thrashing crew. On January 24th, 1943 she married Chris Pedersen and became a farmer’s wife and the mother of three children, Ernie, Stan and Judy. At Bethany Lutheran Church she was active in the Bethany women’s group. After Chris’ passing in January of 1981, she moved to Brooks in November of that year where she became a member and was active in Trinity Lutheran Church. She lived in her home until August, 2010 at which time she moved to Newbrook Lodge, Brooks. In February of this year she was hospitalized in the Brooks Hospital. Grace was predeceased by her husband Chris, her son Stan, her parents David and Marie, and her sisters Gladys, Evelyn and Margarete. She will be lovingly remembered by her son Ernie and her daughter-in-law Diane of Hanna, her daughter-in-law Faye and her husband Tony of Stony Plain and her daughter Judy of Calgary. Memories of her will also be cherished by her grandsons Kevin and Kelly of Hanna and Zane of Calgary, her granddaughters Mandy and Kendra of Red Deer and all of their spouses. She will also be remembered by her nine great grandchildren, Jacelyn, Kolby, Logan, and Veronica of Hanna, and Ainsley, Elise, Samantha, Natalie and Felicity of Red Deer. She is also survived by her brother Erland and her sister-in-law Esther of Brooks, her sister Ellen of White Rock, B.C. and numerous nieces and nephews. Grace lived a long productive and prayerful life. To God be the glory! Funeral services were held on Friday, September 7th at 2:00 PM from Trinity Lutheran Church, Brooks. Rev. John Theiss and Maggie Theiss officiating. Interment was held at Bethany Lutheran Cemetery, Tilley. In memory of Grace, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 811 Cassils Road West, Brooks, Alberta T1R 0E4.
