Grove Lainey, Crystal

It is with deep sadness that the family of Crystal Grove Lainey announce her passing on April 18, 2020. She fought a courageous battle with cancer, and passed peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones at the age of 65.

Crystal was born in Ohio, and moved to Stayner in high school where she met her lifelong soulmate Peter Lainey.  Peter and Crystal attended Queen’s University, married in 1981, and moved to Thornbury to start their life together. Crystal was a skilled and compassionate physiotherapist, who worked for over 20 years at the Meaford and Owen Sound Hospitals.  She later transitioned to home care work for which she truly had a passion.  She was well-known across the Grey-Bruce region as “Crystal the Physiotherapist”. She was beloved and respected by all of her colleagues and patients, and will be sorely missed by the profession. Crystal had a genuine passion for helping those in need.  For ten years, she answered weekend phone lines for Safe ’N Sound Owen Sound, helping people find shelter in a crisis.  She was a passionate, integral member of the Blue Mountain Community Church; her faith was exemplary, steadfast and inspiring to those who knew her.  She was an avid reader and gardener, loved to bake, and was never happier than when she was riding her bicycle.  Above all else, Crystal was an incredible mother and wife; she gave absolutely everything to her family and she was the centre of their universe.

Words cannot express how much Crystal will be missed by her devoted husband of 39 years Peter, her very special son Andrew, and her daughter Allison (Colin Matheson), who filled her life with pride and joy.  Her granddaughter Lucy was the light of her life; Lucy will miss her Grandma’s wisdom, baking and stories. Crystal is also survived by her brother William Grove (Meg Macintyre), and her adoring nieces Katie and Emma.  She will be so dearly missed by her church family at Blue Mountain Community Church.

As per Crystal’s wishes, a celebration of life will take place as soon as circumstances allow for her loving family and friends to safely gather.

Along with her volunteer work, Crystal also gave generously and faithfully to charity throughout her life. If so desired and as your expression of sympathy, donations in her name to Blue Mountain Community Church (Cheques Only Please), World Vision or Plan International may be made through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON  N4L 1B9, or support your local library or food bank. Books and food were her language of love.   www.fergusonfuneralhomes.ca

Details

Memorial Service: Blue Mountain Community Church to be announced at later date

Make a donation in memory of Crystal Grove Lainey

Donations: Blue Mountain Community Church (Cheques Only), World Vision, Plan International
Donate securely through Ferguson Funeral Home


Memories & Messages of condolence

  1. Sandi Pyatt
    Tuesday, April 21, 2020

    Dear Peter, Allison, Colin, Lucy & Andrew
    As I said on Sunday when I dropped by, there are just no words. It was so hard not to reach out and give you a hug. Crystal was such a loving and caring person to so many. Your tribute is beautifully worded and exactly who she was. You are in my thoughts and prayers during these most difficult and trying days and months to come. May all the wonderful memories, pictures, stories and love you share for each other help your hearts to heal over time.
    Love Sandi

    Reply
  2. Rev. Carson Hansford
    Tuesday, April 21, 2020

    Peter, our prayer for you and the family is that you experience the comfort that comes from your faith. Take care.
    Carson and Elizabeth Hansford

    Reply
  3. Rob Potter
    Tuesday, April 21, 2020

    Peter and Family
    So sad to hear of Crystal’s passing. I had a few opportunities to see her courage as she faced her battle with cancer. I take inspiration from her.
    Rob Potter

    Reply
  4. Bonnie Hammond
    Tuesday, April 21, 2020

    I was so sorry to read of Crystal’s passing. She was unique & will be missed by many! She made the world a better place. Remember the good times! Take Care & God Bless! Bonnie Hammond

    Reply
  5. Norine Baron
    Tuesday, April 21, 2020

    Dear Andrew, Allison, Peter and all other family members
    There are no words to express the sadness I felt when I heard the news. My life and Crystal’s intersected often over the years and even though we were not close friends, recently we DID connect at a deeper level. Crystal has such a stellar reputation in the community and what the obituary said was spot on. Hold your memories close.

    Norine Baron

    Reply
  6. Susan Pouget
    Tuesday, April 21, 2020

    Dear Peter and family
    My sorrow is extended to you and your family with Crystal’s passing
    I knew Crystal for many years as a colleague in the home care sector
    She was an inspirational physiotherapist who gave her heart and soul and wealth of knowledge to her clients
    She was corner stone for therapy in our area
    And her work will have touched and changed the lives of many people
    I hope you will find solace in knowing that
    More importantly I know she was a dedicated spouse, mother, grandmother and community member.
    She will have touched many lives by her generosity and for this reason her spirit lives on.
    Please know her therapy world and colleagues are mourning with you.

    Reply
  7. Cindy Bailey
    Tuesday, April 21, 2020

    Please know that Crystal left a special impression with me, as did all your family. I was a member of the BVCS community school group and over the years admired you and your family for your dedication, caring and love in the school community. It was always a pleasure to talk with Crystal. She had a way of beaming through her smile. I am so sorry to hear of Crystal’s passing. She was indeed a special lady. Sending a virtual hug to you Peter, Allison, Andrew and the rest of your family.

    Sincerely,
    Cindy Bailey
    Retired Teacher & VP

    Reply
    1. Rob and Adri Denhoed
      Tuesday, April 21, 2020

      Dear Peter , Allison , Colin ,Little Lucy and Andrew , we are all so saddened to hear of the loss of your precious Wife and Mom, and grandma . Crystal was such an exceptional woman of God , and I treasure the memories of our many front porch visits , during our wonderful Thornbury years . You will miss her deeply . We grieve with you for this .
      We also take such comfort , in the Blessed assurance that we will meet again , because of her trust in Jesus . We are all praying for you in this difficult time .
      Love from us all , Rob and Adri Denhoed , Jessica , Nathan , Ben ,Hannah ,Marielle, Emma and all their families too . 1 Corinthians 15 : 50-58

      Reply
  8. Shirley Daly and the Frisby Family
    Tuesday, April 21, 2020

    Our family was deeply saddened to hear of Cyrstal’s passing. She cared for our family on numerous occasions over the past decade. She always demonstrated compassion, understanding and above all grace. Our best to the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

    Reply
  9. Adrian and Becky Holvik
    Tuesday, April 21, 2020

    Peter and Family…
    Crystal was simply amazing (as you know!). She was such a hardworking, faithful leader in her church, community, and family. We love and respect her because of the example she has been to us. We miss her and she has left a void that it will take many people to fill. We share her faith that she is now in an incredible place where she is more alive than we are. We are so sorry for your loss and we know that you are hurting deeply. Please know that we are supporting and caring for you (from a safe distance) and we look forward to celebrating Crystal’s life when the coast is clear again.
    Sincerely,
    Adrian, Becky, Ian and Matthew Holvik

    Reply
  10. Susan Hoadley
    Wednesday, April 22, 2020

    We were saddened to hear about Crystal’s passing. She was always a very cheery gal who was deeply committed to her family and profession. Our hearts send you a hug. Susan and Perry Hoadley

    Reply
  11. Randy Darling
    Wednesday, April 22, 2020

    So sorry to hear about Crystal passing she was a great physical therapist who helped me when I needed it

    May she rest in peace

    Reply
  12. Carol ormsby
    Wednesday, April 22, 2020

    Dear Peter & Family
    I had occasion to deal with Crystal many times over the years through the Garden Centre but Crystal helped me with acupuncture while I was going through breast cancer. Her chats were as Important as her treatments. She was a wonderful person. Big hugs. Carol Ormsby.

    Reply
  13. Shelley Dittburner
    Wednesday, April 22, 2020

    Dear Peter and family,

    I remember Crystal with a great deal of fondness and respect. We graduated from the same class of physiotherapists and went on to work alongside each other at various times over the years in both hospitals and home care. She was just a super person and a great physiotherapist. She will be missed and remembered with respect and affection by all who knew her.

    Reply
  14. Myrna
    Wednesday, April 22, 2020

    I have worked in Homecare for 25 years. I had the pleasure of meeting Crystal through several mutual clients . I am so sorry to hear of her passing. My condolences to her family.

    Reply
  15. Linda Teed
    Wednesday, April 22, 2020

    Peter and Family
    I am so saddened to hear of Crystal’s passing. She was a sweet, caring person who helped me after my operation. Her smiling face and concern was with total compassion.
    May her memories be with you and may you hold them close in your heart.
    Linda Teed and Family

    Reply
  16. Craig Hawkins
    Wednesday, April 22, 2020

    Peter: So sorry to hear about Crystal’s passing. I know that you and your family will cherish the many happy memories you have shared during your lives together. Stay strong for each other.

    Craig

    Reply
  17. Nancy Campbell
    Wednesday, April 22, 2020

    I was so sad to read about Crystal’s passing. She was a wonderful and compassionate physiotherapist to my husband when he too, was battling cancer. My deepest condolences to your family.

    Reply
  18. K
    Wednesday, April 22, 2020

    I’m so sorry to see this. My condolences to all. I golfed with Crystal for many years. She was the calm, quiet one who could crack it a mile and just look at you and grin. She always corrected me on my stance telling me I’d regret it later. And I do… you’ll be missed, beautiful girl‼️ Love to you and yours.

    Reply
  19. Cheryl & Colin
    Wednesday, April 22, 2020

    Alison, Colin, Lucy and family. Deepest condolences in the loss of such a special mother and person. What an inspiration she was for many. It’s such a difficult time anytime to loose a deep connection – made even more complex due to circumstances. We love you. Cheryl and Colin

    Reply
  20. Mary Lainey
    Thursday, April 23, 2020

    When I first met Crystal in Grade 9, I was in bewildered awe that a girl could swear like a truck driver. Her athletic prowess was also awesome – I can still see a high-school photo of her reaching up to sink a basketball. She was always energetic – in over 50 years I saw her horizontal only once. Over the years I came to admire Crystal’s capacity for sympathetic understanding, compassion and empathy. The extended Lainey family will treasure the memories of many family birthday and holiday gatherings around the dinner table that she made possible. It’s hard to fathom that she is gone, and we will miss her, but her imprint on us will endure and we will remember.

    Reply
    1. Willie ( her loving little brother)
      Thursday, April 23, 2020

      Mary, that may be the one thing her loving little brother was able to teach her! and Amen to those many family dinners we shared and she generously hosted for many years

      Reply
      1. Kent Fay
        Tuesday, April 28, 2020

        Mr. Lainey
        You spoke often and foundly of your supportive and loving wife to all those that you taught. Although I never met your wife, I can imagine that anyone that selected you as their soulmate had some amazing DNA and attributes. I am sorry for your loss and I am sure that many of your past students feel the same sadness as I do.
        God Bless and Take Care of your family sir!

        Reply
        1. Kent Fay
          Tuesday, April 28, 2020

          Fondly* … you were a better Phys. Ed teacher than an English teacher I guess… I’m still learning!

          Reply
  21. Chris , Nancy and Aunt Therese Burt
    Thursday, April 23, 2020

    Peter, Alison, Andrew and family,
    We are so very sorry to hear of Crystal ‘s passing. We know the difficulty of losing someone so close to you and the love you shared. We hope you find some solace knowing she is no longer in pain and cherish the many happy memories you’ve shared over the years. God bless you and your family.

    Reply
  22. Jennifer Dorgelo
    Thursday, April 23, 2020

    Thinking of all of you , Peter , Andrew and Allison and family. Crystal was such a dedicated and caring Mom and a very committed and caring physiotherapist. She will be missed by everyone she knew.
    Take care of each other and keep your memories close.
    Jennifer Dorgelo

    Reply
  23. Natalie Whiting
    Thursday, April 23, 2020

    Dear Allison, Colin and Lucy,
    I am deeply saddened to learn of your family’s loss. Allison, I am so glad that your mom was able to have her last day brightened by her special Lucy, and that you are able to spend this week together as a family. You are all in my thoughts.

    Reply
  24. Valerie Shaw
    Friday, April 24, 2020

    Dear Peter & family. Crystal was like family to everyone who knew her and she will be missed by not only her family but friends and community. My deepest condolences,

    Reply
  25. Shirley & Paul Woolner
    Friday, April 24, 2020

    Peter & family – Crystal has left a huge void, not only in your lives, but the community as well. She will be greatly missed by many. Pleases know that in this time of distancing, you are not forgotten!

    Reply
  26. Margot Kim Bazo
    Saturday, April 25, 2020

    When my.mother broke her triple trochanter and was recovering at home Crystal was wonderful.
    I didnt know Crystal but I did know of her and I always felt there was something really special about her and of course I was right.

    God bless her ,

    Kim Bazo

    Reply
  27. Glen, Alison, Ian & Mason McGuire
    Sunday, April 26, 2020

    Peter and family – our sincere condolences on your loss. Crystal was a wonderful help to my father. We’re thinking of you all.

    Reply
  28. Jim and Kathy Uram
    Monday, April 27, 2020

    Peter and family: we are so very sorry for your loss. Crystal will be deeply missed in our community. May your memories help bring you peace with this great loss. We are thinking of you all.

    Reply
  29. Bev Ardiel
    Monday, April 27, 2020

    Peter, Andrew, Allison and family,
    We are so sorry to hear of Crystal’s passing. Know that you are in our thoughts at this sad time.
    May your many wonderful memories bring you some measure of peace in the days ahead.

    Harold and Bev Ardiel

    Reply
  30. Patricia Navarra
    Tuesday, April 28, 2020

    To Peter , Andrew and Allison and family,

    Barry and I wanted to let you know that we are very sorry for your loss . The tribute to her speaks volumes of the love that you shared and of how much she contributed to her community. May your wonderful memories help you during this difficult time.

    Warmest regards, Pat & Barry Navarra

    Reply
  31. John Minty
    Wednesday, April 29, 2020

    Peter I am greatly saddened to hear of your loss. I truly enjoyed the year’s that we taught together in the world-famous shrink-atorium at EDHS. You managed to always bring humour to any situation. The love and respect that you had for your family was evident in every aspect of your life. Give my best to Andrew, Allison and the extended family as you cherish the memories of a wonderful wife and mother.

    Reply
  32. Mark Elliott
    Wednesday, April 29, 2020

    Mr. Lainey I am sorry for your loss. Know that you and the family are in the thoughts of many former Elmvale Eagles.

    Mark

    Reply
  33. Inez Martyn
    Thursday, April 30, 2020

    What sad news! I remember Crystal as a young girl down the block from where I lived. The whole Grove Family was very special in our lives for many years. Our Tennis Court was the meeting place for the whole neighborhood and we will have many happy memories to hold onto. My condolences to Peter and their children.

    Reply
    1. Willie ( her loving little brother)
      Friday, May 1, 2020

      Inez, thanks for your thoughts and it’s nice to hear from you. I hope you are well. As the Grove who lived at your tennis court it has many special memories for me. Stay safe and give our love to your family.

      Reply
  34. Laura Lee Millard-Smith
    Thursday, April 30, 2020

    I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

    Reply
  35. Pegi O'Halloran
    Friday, May 1, 2020

    As one of Crystal’s friends and former colleagues, I was so sad to hear this news.
    Her expertise as a skilled and highly respected physiotherapist was well known throughout the area and we all benefitted from her knowledge.
    She was extremely dedicated to her family and spoke of them all with such love and pride. She had been looking forward to watching little Lucy grow up. With her usual passion, high energy and thoughtfulness she made such a difference to her family, her patients, her community and the environment. She will be greatly missed.
    I think of her often, not least when I use one of her many recipes.
    I am thinking of Peter, Andrew and Allison and wishing them strength as they cope with such a huge loss.

    Reply
  36. Viivi Riis
    Saturday, May 2, 2020

    Dear Mr. Lainey and the rest of Crystal’s family. I worked with Crystal in Home Care. Her patients raved about her compassion and her ability to motivate them. She was a remarkable woman. On behalf of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association, I express condolences to your and your family.

    Viivi Riis PT
    President, Canadian Physiotherapy Association

    Reply
  37. Dorothy Gimpelj
    Sunday, May 3, 2020

    My sincerest condolences Peter, to you and your family.
    I was just notified of your wife’s passing.
    You have written a lovely memorial here that provides a picture of such a beautiful person who has touched so many hearts, primarily yours and your family.
    May you cherish all your fond memories, and find peace and strength with each other as you endure this great loss. May you take comfort knowing that her shining star will continue to look down upon you all, always, as she remains in your heart.

    Reply

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