Bathurst - It is with sadness that the family of Anatolie “Nat” DeGrace, wife of the late Rodney Gregory DeGrace, announces her passing on Saturday October 10, 2026, at the Chaleur Regional Hospital, Bathurst, at the age of 87. 

Born in Bathurst, she was the daughter of the late Télésphore and Mary (Picot) Tremblay. 

She is survived by one son: Michael (Pamela Kennedy) of Toronto, ON and one daughter: Carolyn (Brian Fitzpatrick) of Bathurst. 

Her precious granddaughters: Emma and Abby.

Several nieces and nephews.  

Besides her husband and parents, she was pre-deceased by her brothers: Roger, Paul, Claude, Pierre and a sister, Ann Wood.

Nat graduated from Teacher’s College in 1956 and dedicated many years to teaching in various schools throughout the Bathurst area. She retired from Bathurst High School in 1995, leaving behind a lasting legacy through the many students whose lives she touched. 

Throughout her life, Nat was an active member in her community. She was involved with the Catholic Women’s League, Holy Family Church Choir, Gowan Brae Golf and Country Club and the New Brunswick Retired Teacher’s Association. 

Family was at the heart of Nat’s life. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and cherished member of her family. She took great pride in her family and treasured the special bond she shared with her granddaughters. Whether gathered around the table, celebrating special occasions or simply enjoying time together. Nat valued every moment with her family and created many lasting memories filled with love, laughter and warmth.  

Retirement brought Nat many wonderful opportunities to enjoy life, travel and spend time with friends. She spent many winters in Florida with Rodney, enjoyed trips and outings with her beloved “Friends from the Foolish Fifties” and treasured the many social gatherings with her Book Club, Red Hat Society, Dusty Sneakers exercise group, bowling, lunches and card games with friends.

These activities brought Nat much happiness, but perhaps what she cherished most was the friendship, laughter and companionship that came with them. She built a life rich in experiences and surrounded herself with people who made those years so special.  

Visitation is at Elhatton's Funeral Home (www.elhatton.com), Bathurst, on Wednesday October 22, 2026, from 12 noon until Funeral Mass at 2 pm from Holy Family Church, Bathurst. Donation in memory of Nat may be made to the donor's preferred charity.