Grace (Teresa) Keith

We are saddened to share the news that our Mom, Grace (Teresa) Keith, passed away in her sleep on May 30, 2024. Mom was gracious, kind, thoughtful and dignified to the end. Her absence will be grieved by many family, friends and acquaintances near and far. Mom was the centre of our families, the hub for all good things. She was well known in Athabasca as a caring and hard-working community member. Her loss from this fierce cancer came as a shock to all of us. We remain, as Mom raised us, grateful for all that she brought to our lives. Everyone who knew Mom, respected, admired and loved her. She was the kind of person we all aspire to be - a loving and generous spirit, a lifelong learner and a community builder.  Mom would not want us to expound on who she was because if she was anything, she was also humble and private. 

Teresa started her life on January 7, 1950 as Grazyna Kulikowski in Szczecin, Poland. Her family emigrated to Edmonton in 1961 where she went to school and became a fiercely proud Canadian citizen. In 1977, she moved with her young family to Athabasca where she continued to build her large circle of friends and to make family near and far a priority in her life. Teresa participated in the family farm life as well as managing a robust volunteer schedule, and raising her family.  In addition, she earned a diploma through AVC and worked successfully with a couple of local businesses before joining the Registrars Office at Athabasca University where she was a highly respected team member for more than two decades. She loved to spend time with her people, and to read, garden and travel. She lived with her long-time partner, and ran a successful business near the river front, enjoying meeting people from around the world and sharing the beauty of the surroundings.  

As per Teresa’s wishes our family will host a small private Celebration of Life at a future date.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations can be made in Teresa's name to the Athabasca Healthcare Centre Auxiliary Association, or to the charity of your choice.  

In mom's final weeks and days, she often told us to remember one important phrase.  Be kind.  Be kind to each other.  Through this difficult time, please be kind.  To others.  And to yourself.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Grace (Teresa) Keith, please visit our Tree Store.