SCHOEP, Grace Schoep

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Grace Schoep after a very brief battle with cancer. Grace passed away in the early morning on Sunday October 19th at Lakeridge Health Oshawa with her daughters and sister by her side, after spending the perfect day in the sunshine surrounded by family and friends at Alexander Park.

Grace will be profoundly missed by her husband Wim, after more than 50 years together, and their children: Johnny, Debbie (Chad) Frizzell, Corrie, Tammy (Shayne), Nicole and their adopted daughter Jenn Cooper. She will be dearly missed by her 19 grandchildren Greg, Jessica, Kristina (Kris), Jake, Melissa (Sheldon), Mykayla, Kirsten (Nathan), Brayden, Bobby, Franky (Lucas), Jaxon, Billy (Trinity), Gabby, Abby (Abbie), Aiden, TJ, Mackenzie, Jules and Noah. Also, her 8 great-grandchildren Alyssa, Emily, Ava, Ethan, Holly, Xavier, Keith and Bellamy. Grace will also be missed by siblings Tom (Shelley) Armstrong, Betty Smith, Barb (Jerry) Saunders, June (Bob) Todd, Colleen (Bruce) Howson, and Wim’s siblings, Truus (Gary Bennett), Arie Schoep, John (Ene) Schoep and Rene (Darlene) Schoep as well as all of her nieces and nephews that are too many to name. Her extended family in the Netherlands and in Western Canada are deeply saddened by her loss.

Grace is predeceased her mother Louisa (Hugh) Webster and her father Clifford Armstrong. As well as her siblings Irene (Norm) Ferguson and Fred Armstrong and brother-in-law Ken Smith and her 2 sisters-in-law Sija (Llyod) Summers and Carol Schoep. All were awaiting her arrival with open arms.

Grace valued family above everything else, including the friends that we choose to include in our family which she had many. Her kindness, acceptance, and unconditional love was far superior to anyone else, and she made everyone around her feel it. She opened her heart, arms and home to family, friends and lost souls. Her supportive nature allowed everyone the opportunity to be their best selves. In fact, her last words were “A friend of my friend is my friend.” Many people in the last few weeks have spoken about how Grace impacted their lives in some way and we are all touched by how widespread her influence has been. Change happens in the world because of people like Grace leaving their imprint on others.

Beyond people Grace loved two things the most Harry Potter and playing cards.

Grace loved making Harry Potter costumes to wear at different events and parties. Her Dolores Umbridge was legendary, getting comments everywhere she wore it. Special mention to her Molly Weasley, Professor Sprout and Wim as Hagrid. (yes, yes she really was a Harry Potter Nerd and she would tell you, “And Proud of it!”) Harry Potter was also something that allowed her to have a special connection with many people in her life, including, her daughters, her grandchildren and her sisters. (We are all nerds “And Proud of it!”)

Grace was always ready for a good card game. Her favourite was “Screw Your Neighbour” (fondly renamed “Mess Your Neighbour” by the kids), but she also loved Euchre, Spite and Malice, Hand and Foot, and many more. Cards were more than just games to her — they were moments of laughter, connection, and family tradition. She passed that love down to her children, grandchildren, and soon, her great-grandchildren will learn too, keeping her spirit alive around the table.

Grace’s quick and sudden illness has left us all devasted and reeling. While we are grateful that we had the opportunity to show her how much she meant to all of us, it was not enough time. We are glad that she has so many wonderful people waiting for her on the other side saving her a seat at the card table. We take comfort in the thought of her watching over us, still supporting us when we need it, celebrating every milestone and cheering with us as the Jays win the World Series. Our hearts are broken. She was one of a kind and no one could ever take her place.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Grace’s birthday, November 23rd, 2025 at Woodview Park Clubhouse, 151 Cadillac Ave N in Oshawa from 1:00 to 6:00pm. Light refreshments will be available and in true Grace fashion, we will be playing cards in her honour.

In Lieu of flowers donations can be made to Lakeridge Health Oshawa in Grace’s name.