Obituary of Denise Graval
It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Denise Graval, who passed away peacefully on January 23, 2026, at the age of 93.
Denise Marie Graval (nee Remillard) was born on October 12, 1932 in St. Boniface, MB. She attended school in St. Malo, MB studying both English and French. Following high school, she studied nursing, graduating as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Denise worked at several hospitals including the St. Boniface and Misericordia hospitals. She cherished her nursing education, forming lifelong friendships that she nurtured over the decades by attending nursing class reunions.
In July, 1954 she married William (Bill) Graval whom she met at a card party. She relocated with him to the family farm in Insinger, Saskatchewan, where they operated a mixed farm. There they raised their family – Darlene and Myron. In 2000, they moved to Yorkton to enjoy their retirement years. Due to health issues, Denise went to live at the Wolseley Memorial Integrated Care Centre in May, 2022.
Farm life for Denise encompassed a wide array of activities. Her green thumb yielded an abundant garden and flower beds full of blooms. As well, she milked cows, helped deliver calves, bottle fed piglets, hauled bales and grain. When not busy outdoors she could be found in the kitchen baking cinnamon buns, donuts and poppy buns; however, she was most notorious for her lemon square. Denise had an artistic talent as she crocheted, embroidered, knitted and painted ceramics. She was also an exceptional seamstress, whether it was sewing garments or patching work clothes.
In their semi-retirement years, she and Bill took many bus trips. They travelled to every province in Canada (except for Newfoundland and the Territories) and extensively in the US.
Denise was predeceased by her husband, Bill in 2014, parents, Albert and Amanda, siblings and their spouses Andy, Danny, Rollie, Lena (Henry), Ray and Delvina (Ron), and grandsons Nicholas and Timothy. She will be sadly missed, but always cherished by her daughter, Darlene (John), son, Myron (Karen), grandchildren, Brent, Blaine, Kimberly, Jeffrey and great-grandson Charlie, sister, Bernice (Roy) Norman, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and numerous friends.
A Visitation was held from the Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre on Friday, Jan 30, 2026.
A Funeral Service was held from the Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre on Saturday, Jan 31, 2026, officiated by Rev. Fr. Francis Hengen. With Cross Bearer, Charlie Parker, the family chose three special hymns to listen to: ‘On Eagles Wings’ and ‘Songs of Angels’ and ‘Take My Hand Precious Lord’. Casket Bearers were Brent Marchuk, Michael Grunwald ,Blaine Marchuk,Trevor Hubert, Jeffrey Graval, and Rollie Remillard. The Honourary Casket Bearers are all family and friends who shared in Denise's life. The Interment took place at Yorkton Memorial Gardens, Garden of Gethsemane, Yorkton, Saskatchewan.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her name to Wolesley Integrated Memorial Care Centre (Activities) or The Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Arrangements for Denise are entrusted to Bailey’s Funeral and Cremation Care.
