Grace Frances Maier (nee Rutledge)
On Tuesday, December 3, surrounded by family and friends, Grace Maier, age 65 of Edmonton, passed away suddenly.
Grace is survived by her loving husband Karl of 23 years, mother Kristin Rutledge, siblings: Jan Janz (Denis), Jeff (Laurie), Suzanne, brother-in-law Dale Streich, brother and sister-in law Gary and Ruth Maier and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. She was predeceased by her father Kenneth Rutledge, sister Gwen Streich, and Crosby.
Grace was born in Selkirk, MB on October 26, 1959, and grew up in Steinbach, MB. After completing her undergraduate degree in Human Ecology from the University of Manitoba, she worked as a dietician for seven years before completing her Master in Health Services Administration from the University of Alberta. She spent most of her career as Director of Geriatrics at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital until her retirement in 2023. Grace was instrumental in advancing a greater understanding and awareness of the challenges of aging for which she received the Alberta Association of Gerontology Mary Morrison Davis Award in 2021.
Grace will be remembered for her amazing generous, kind, compassionate and gentle soul, her funky glasses and shoes. She loved to laugh. Her smile lit up a room and she brought a light with her that all could feel. She had an extraordinary gift for finding joy in everyday life and nurturing deep and lasting relationships with those around her. She adored her husband, family and friends. She was passionate about her spirituality, music, traveling, volunteering, reading, exercising, gardening, and spending time in the kitchen with Karl. She will be missed beyond words.
Special thanks to the University of Alberta Hospital Neurosurgery Unit 4A front-line staff, Social Worker Laura, Chaplain Caroline, and nephews Jonathan, Christopher and Jeremy. A private celebration of life will be held in the summer. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Glenrose Rehabilitation Foundation. (www.Glenrosefoundation.com)
So sorry to hear about Gracie. The youngest (and certainly cutest) of our Gaggle of Girl friends in high school. Celia, Jacinta, Grace, now just Lori and me left.
To Karl, Mrs. Rutledge, and all of Grace’s family and friends: the world is a lesser place without Grace. Her kindness and generosity of spirit touched all of us who worked with her. I know how much she was enjoying retirement, and having more time for reading, and travel, and especially spending time with all of you. Please accept my deepest condolences.
My deepest condolences to you and your family, Karl. May you find comfort in God’s presence as you navigate all the details in the days to come and may the stories of Grace’s kindness, during her time with us, be a balm to your grieving heart. She was such a warm encouraging woman.
My sincerest condolences to all Grace’s family and friends. Grace’s presence was always appreciated everywhere she was and by whomever she knew. She made the world a better place. May she rest in peace.
Oh, I’m so sorry to hear this, Karl. Grace was gracious, skillful and thoughtful. She will be missed.
We will always cherish the many dinner gatherings and ski trips over the years. But most of all, we’ll cherish the many travels we’ve shared around the world. The look of wonder in your eyes, the laughter of some of the things we’ve seen, and the delight of sampling foods from different cultures.
You were a shining example of how to be kind, thoughtful, generous, and loving. You were a picture of professionalism and how to remain calm – especially when we were stranded in Arusha.
Grace, you’ll always live on in our memories with much love. Rest in peace.
There are no words to express my sadness at Grace’s passing, we shared a love of quirky glasses and Christmas cake. I will miss her very much. My deepest sympathy to Karl and family. I hope the joyful memories you have of Grace sustain you at this very sad time.
Karl, our deepest condolences on Grace’s sudden passing. We heard the very sad news today. We pray Grace will rest in peace. May you find comfort and strength from your family, friends and loved ones. Keeping you both in our thoughts and prayers.
Miranda and Norry
Deepest condolences to Karl and to Grace’s family. A beautiful and kind lady inside and out. Sending our prayers and thoughts.
Adrienne and Stephen Heward
My prayers are with you and your family Karl.
I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Grace’s sudden passing. She was not only a talented and accomplished colleague, but also a warm, genuine and kind-hearted person who brightened every room she entered. Her heartfelt kindness and thoughtful nature touched everyone around her, and she will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of working with her. My thoughts are with Karl and all of Grace’s extended family during this difficult time. May she rest in peace.
Gracie was a wonderful, caring, thoughtful lady who enriched the lives of everone around her. I am truly blessed to have had her for my sister-in-law. Rest in peace sweet Gracie.
Dale
So sorry to hear we have lost Grace a positive spirit in our world. I fondly remember many hiking trips with Grace and friends. She had a big smile and a big heart.
Karl, Mrs. Rutledge, family and friends who are suffering the loss of Grace. We are so saddened for you, Grace was an amazing lady who when you looked in her eyes you felt the warmth, kindness and a little twinkle to keep you wondering what she was up too! This anonymous quote comes to mind “What you leave as a legacy is not what is etched in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.” Grace’s journey touched and made a difference for so many, we are truly honored to have walked one of those paths with her.
Sending our sincere condolences to Karl and Grace’s family. She was an amazing human being and will be missed by all. You are in our prayers. Rest in peace Grace!
I worked with Grace for many years within the Edmonton Zone Specialized Geriatrics and then at the Glenrose Hospital. I am so sorry to hear of her passing. She was a wonderful health care leader and a thoughtful, gracious person. She will be greatly missed.
My sincere condolences to Graces family and friends. I was privileged to have the honor of working with Grace, she was a truly wonderful person and will be greatly missed. May she rest in peace.
My deepest condolences to Grace’s family, friends and everyone who had the good fortune to have Grace in our lives. I will always remember Grace’s support, genuine empathy and kindness. She will be truly missed.
We are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of aunt Grace.
She was a truly remarkable person whose kindness and generosity touched everyone she met. She was just amazing.I always remember her smiling face. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her. May her soul rest in peace, and karl may you find comfort in the special moments you shared with her.” I still remember the special dinner that you both have hosted for us and made us feel so special. Aunt Grace you will be missed. Karl, be strong and we all with you in this sad time.
You will always live on in our memories with much love.
My heart is heavy at this heartbreaking news Karl, I pray that you are granted the strength needed to navigate this hard season one day at a time.
Hallo lieber Karl
Wir möchten Dir zum Tode von Grace unsere Anteilnahme aussprechen. Wir wünschen Dir alles Gute und viel Kraft in dieser schweren Zeit.
I am sorry to hear of Grace’s passing. My deepest sympathies to her family. May she rest in peace with her dad and sister.
I was devastated to hear about sudden loss of aunt Grace. I will always remember her delightful nature. May she rest in peace.
My deepest, heartfelt condolences to Karl, Auntie Stina, Jan, Jeff, Suzanne, and all of Gracie’s extended family and friends. I have the fondest memories of spending time with Gracie as pre-teens at Amma Johnson’s. She was always so nice to me, and her smile was like a ray of sunshine. She was a lovely person and I will think of her often and with great fondness. You are all in my prayers. Sending love and hugs.
Our condolences Karl. Praying for strength during this difficult time.
We are so sorry for your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
To Karl and the Rutledge Family, please accept our sincerest condolences on the loss of “Amazing Grace”. Her tiny frame held a huge spirit of generosity, love, and kindness. We had so many special times together and will treasure the memories. Rest in peace dear Friend. You will be greatly missed.
Karl, I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you as you navigate all of this. Be kind to your heart, I hope you can feel Grace’s love all around you. Sarah Jane Smyth
I am an old friend of Suzanne’s (Grace’s sister) from university days. I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to Suzanne’s family for your loss. I remember hearing about Grace all those many years ago and the closeness she and Suzanne shared. Suzanne would speak about Grace’s compassion and of her caring, nurturing presence. Hers is a light that will be missed. Thinking of you all, Blanka
Karl, I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved Grace. Please accept my deepest sympathies
I am so saddened to hear of Grace’s passing. I remember her as a gentle collaborative leader who was so effective in making improvements in geriatric care and beyond. She was a role model for many. My condolences to her family, dear friends and colleagues. She was one of the best.
Very sorry for your loss Karl.
Karl, I am so heartbroken to hear of Grace’s passing. She was a great leader putting her patients first. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Rest in Peace Grace.
We will miss Grace with her happy smiling countenance! May she be blessed as she continues her journey in the hereafter!
I was so shocked to hear of Grace’s passing. I had the privilege of working with her and knowing her kind, gentle and giving spirit. My deepest condolences to her friends and family.
Hello to Karl and to Grace’s family on this profoundly sad unexpected news. Way back in 1983 I heard the tap of tiny high heels on the kitchen tiles of the Wascana Hospital and there was Grace to say hello and show me the ropes. Grace was amazing and she had a bottomless cup of generosity and caring. Coupled with Karl they have showered our family with so much love, fun times and chocolate. Always in our hearts and please let us help in any way we can.
Grace was full of joy and warmth and I feel so lucky to have been supported by her through my life. Her presence will be greatly missed but the beautiful imprint she made on me and my family is here to stay. Cam and I are sending all of our love to Karl and to her family.
Grace’s generosity of spirit, intelligence, and unwavering commitment to making the world better for those she served and those in our community was a ray of light. I’m so grateful to have benefitted from her generosity and kindness. I’m so sorry to hear of her sudden passing. My sincere condolences to her family and friends.
I had the opportunity to work with Grace and appreciated her leadership and kindness. My deepest condolences to her husband Karl and family. She will be missed.
Sincerely,
Jean Triscott
Karl and family my thoughts and prayers are with you. So difficult to lose someone full of life so suddenly. Grace will be remembered as a dear friend who always brought kindness and sunshine into my life. She will be missed. My sincere condolences. Sending caring hugs.
Our hearts are full of grief on hearing about Grace’s passing. She was so full of life and loved with all her heart. We have all benefited in big and small ways by having her touch our lives. Our deepest condolences go out to Karl and Grace’s family. Another angel has entered His kingdom.
I was so sudden to hear your loss. I hope that even though your world is so dark right now. You are soon able to see some light in the memories with Grace. Take care yourself. Condolences from my family.
Grace was petite, but a giant in geriatric rehabilitation. In my mind, her legacy will always be the programs and services she tirelessly brought to reality for the patients and care partners that ultimately benefited. Thank you Grace – for being a highlight in my career, I echo the sentiment that you have left the world a better place.
Karl and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. I had the honor of working closely with Grace over many years. She was an incredible leader in the care of older adults and always generous with sharing her expertise, whether within her leadership role at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital and the Edmonton Zone (AHS) or provincially and nationally.
Grace was kind, compassionate, thoughtful and always willing to help in any situation. Her commitment to work, her zest for life and her love of her family were always very clearly her focus.
Her sudden passing has left a huge void for so many but we are so much the better for having had her in our lives.
Take gentle care.
I am saddened to hear the sudden demise of Grace. I had the opportunity to be Grace’ s Mentee when I had first moved to Alberta. I will always remember her as very kind, caring, generous and incredible mentor. Condolences to her family. Rest in Peace Grace!
Karl and family. I am just learning of her passing now. So saddened by the news. I did have the pleasure of meeting her through zone work and some leadership classes. She was always so kind, caring , knowledgeable and willing to help wherever she could.
My daughter also had the pleasure of working with her while at the Glenrose.
She will be missed.
Karen Maier
Karl
I just heard of your devastating loss. Grace’s life and persona epitomized her name.
May God bless you and keep you through the coming years without her.
Marilyn Nixon