THERESSA (TERRI) COLLEEN MCGRAW

After a courageous and prolonged battle with ovarian cancer, Terri passed peacefully at home just ten days before her 60th birthday.

Terri is lovingly remembered by her husband Greg, her children Joshua (Jessie), Matthew, and Joel (Klarissa) and 3 grandchildren Samuel, Nathan, and Maeve. She is also survived by her father and mother Rene and Donna Grift, her four siblings Blanche (Marc), Tony (Kathleen), Anita, and Andy, along with many nieces and nephews.

Terri was born in Winnipeg and grew up on a hobby farm in Anola, MB. From an early age, she helped her family with the daily rhythms of farm life, including weeding the garden, feeding the animals, milking cows, and gathering eggs. For a while, she even raised goats. After graduating from Springfield Collegiate in 1984, Terri began pursuing her dream of becoming a Registered Nurse. In 1988, she married her husband, Greg, and by 1995, they were raising their three boys: Joshua, Matthew, and Joel.

Terri’s nursing career spanned almost 40 years and reflected her compassion, adaptability, and dedication to caring for others. Her experience included medical and surgical units in traditional hospital settings in Winnipeg as well as community health care in Indigenous communities in Alberta. Her work later expanded to the Middle East where she provided community health services and first aid training. After returning to Canada, Terri recertified as a RN and resumed hospital nursing in urgent care.

At the age of 16, Terri made the most important decision of her life when she surrendered her life to Jesus Christ. That relationship shaped every part of who she was and became the foundation of her character. Her faith was reflected in her compassion for her patients, the love and care she poured into raising her children, and the kindness she showed to her family and to others. Terri’s warm, caring nature was deeply suited to her nursing career and was demonstrated in the way she lived each day.

Terri was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in February 2021. Even in the face of that diagnosis, her faith remained strong, and she chose to fully embrace life rather than simply wait to die. Her positive outlook carried her through difficult days and became an inspiration to many others.

Terri was intentional about spending time with her family and grandchildren, visiting them regularly and treasuring those moments together. Even during treatment, she continued to enjoy the outdoors through walks, bike rides, floating at the beach, and long kayak paddles out at the lake – her happy place.

She also continued to serve others with joy and purpose. At church, she welcomed people as a greeter and helped organize meals for expectant mothers, their families and for those facing times of crisis.

Terri became an active advocate for ovarian cancer research and early detection. She connected with local and national support groups networking with other women facing ovarian cancer and offering encouragement from her own experience.

She was trained as a peer mentor to help women as they began their own cancer journeys. Terri also spoke to medical professionals at conferences, served on discussion panels, and was the co-spokesperson for the Manitoba Walk of Hope for Ovarian Cancer in September 2022.

Terri had the heart of a servant and consistently thought of others before herself. Her friendly smile and her peaceful presence helped people feel at ease around her. Whether she was sharing words of encouragement from the Bible or offering wisdom drawn from her life experiences, she brought hope and warmth to those around her.

Her positive outlook was contagious, and her steadfast faith through hardship was an inspiration to many.

Greg and the family would like to thank Dr. Sarah Kean, Terri’s primary oncologist, along with the team of nurses, health care and home care aids and support staff who cared for Terri throughout her treatment. The family is deeply grateful for the compassionate care Terri received through Cancer Care Manitoba.

A celebration of Terri’s life will take place at Rowandale Baptist Church, 162 Rowandale Ave. Winnipeg, MB at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 11. For those unable to attend the service, a livestream video will be available at the following link: 

https://youtube.com/live/xTBMmZx9OtY?feature=share

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Terri’s memory to Cancer Care Manitoba, Ovarian Cancer Canada, or a charity of your choice.

The family encourages the sharing of stories, memories and condolences by using the comment section on this tribute page.

I love you, habibti. 

I miss you dearly. 

I will carry your legacy on 

to love others the way you loved.

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

(Romans 8:1)

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

1833 Portage Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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