Elizabeth Anne Grimstead

Elizabeth (Beth) Grimstead, beloved wife, mother, grandmother (Noma), sister, aunt, niece, sister in law, cousin and friend to many died peacefully at Andy’s House Hospice in Port Carling on January 2, 2026. Beth’s room at Andy’s was directly across from the Library, a fitting place for a passionate lover of books. Beth will be fondly remembered by all for her joyous and positive outlook, her kindness and her delightful sense of humour.

Beth was born February 3, 1952, in North Bay, Ontario, the eldest child of Dalton and Barbara Gordon.

Beth found her professional calling as an educator. She started her career teaching instrumental music at Centennial Senior School in North Bay. She retired from Gravenhurst Public School where she thoroughly loved teaching and guiding young children.

She is survived by her loving husband Mark, and her three devoted sons Andrew (Mais), Jesse (Raisa) and Ben (Emma). Beth beamed with joy and love in the presence of her grandchildren Sadie, Jackson, Zane, Sloane and Ellis. Beth was the heart of the Grimstead family.

Beth was predeceased by her parents and her brother Dave (Karen) and is survived by her brother Brad (Deb) and sister Lynn (Russ).

Beth had a wide range of interests including skiing, rowing, playing in the Bracebridge United Church Bell Choir, sewing, quilting, scrapbooking and gardening. Beth enjoyed travelling. Prior to her health decline she cruised to Alaska with the Bell Choir, attended Andrew and Mais’s wedding in Amman, Jordan with granddaughter Sadie and toured England and Scotland with Mark and friends. Beth supported Mark and her family through several extended work (and play) adventures in Florida and Tennessee, even though they often had no idea where their wanderlust would take them. Everything always turned out well because of Beth’s steady guidance.

The Grimstead family has an endless list of people and organizations to thank for helping Beth through her thirteen plus year journey with cancer and Alzheimer’s. As a start, we thank Dr. Kim Forester, Dr. Julius Toth, Dr. Shaquille Kassam, and the medical teams at the Stronach Cancer Centre and South Muskoka Hospital. Thank you to the Alzheimer’s Society of Muskoka, the VON Adult Day program, the PSWs and Nurses from Gravenhurst Paramed and Care Partners, and to Palliative Care Director Treena Aliberti for her empathetic guidance.

In the final part of her long journey, Beth and her family were the fortunate recipients of the compassionate and thoughtful care of the marvellous team at Andy’s House Hospice, who ensured that Beth felt love, joy and peace in the final weeks of her life.

To all of you, including friends and extended family, know that we have been overwhelmed by your kindness and love.

Cremation has taken place.

Funeral Service: Saturday, March 7 at 11am at Bracebridge United Church, 46 Dominion Street, Bracebridge, Ontario.

Celebration of Life: Saturday, March 7 from 1-4pm at the Canadian Raceboat Hall of Fame Museum & The Venue, 1512 Hwy 118W, Bracebridge, Ontario.

For those who wish, please consider a donation in Beth’s name to one of the organizations named above.