Breaking: Grace Aelick, cherished farmer and community advocate, dies at 87
Richards Landing, Ontario — Grace Aelick passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, January 11, 2026, in her 87th year.Her family describes a life rooted in farming, learning, and steadfast service to others.
Grace is survived by six children and a broad circle of relatives who recall a woman with a fierce independence, a sharp memory, and a generous heart. She is remembered as a devoted mother to rebecca Boyle (late), Elizabeth Fleming (Denzil), Brenda Aelick (late Rob Damery), William “Billy” Aelick (Conny), Beverly Lyons (Barry), and Belinda Junor (Terry). Rebecca Boyle predeceased her.
Her grandchildren number thirteen, including Christine and Jordan, with Sarah counted among those she loved but who did not survive. grace’s 25 great-grandchildren include Brook Nadjiwon, along with many others who carried forward her legacy of curiosity and care. Grace is also survived by her sister Jenny Simons and her brother Vern Chamberlin.
Born September 3, 1939, in Pontiac, Michigan, to Edna Letitia Chamberlin (Letty) and Arthur Ezra Chamberlin, grace returned to Richards Landing after her father’s early passing. There, she met and later married William “Bill” Aelick in August 1957, starting a life marked by farm work, market gardening, and family leadership. The couple celebrated 53 years together before Bill’s passing in 2010.
Grace balanced work and family with a remarkable sense of community. She briefly taught before dedicating herself to farming, market gardening, and crafting. She served as a 4-H leader for many years and remained deeply involved in local life through the St. Joseph Island Past Society,preserving the island’s memories for future generations.
Her colleagues and loved ones recall a prodigious memory—Grace could recount birthdays for each child, grandchild, and great-grandchild without hesitation—and she used that memory to anchor a family that remained closely connected across generations.
The family expresses gratitude to the medical team on St. Joseph Island and at SAH Cancer Clinic, whose compassion and professionalism supported Grace’s wish to stay at home throughout her illness. Special thanks go to Dr. Happala, nurses Amy and Jennifer, and phlebotomist Stephanie, whose care made a meaningful difference.
In keeping with Grace’s wishes, there will be no formal service. A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, January 18, 2026, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Richard’s Landing Old town Hall, located at 1211 Richards Street.
Memorial donations may be made to the St.Joseph Township PSW Program, Tracy’s Dream, the North Shore Health Network Richards Landing — Matthews Site, or the Canadian Cancer Society. Condolences can be left through the funeral home’s website.
Arrangements are entrusted to O’Sullivan Funeral Home, located at 215 St. James Street,Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. For more details, readers may contact the firm at 705-759-8456.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Grace Aelick |
| Born | September 3, 1939 |
| Died | January 11, 2026 |
| Place of death | At home, Richards Landing, Ontario |
| Spouse | William “bill” Aelick (married August 1957; died 2010) |
| Children | Rebecca Boyle (late), Elizabeth Fleming, Brenda Aelick (late rob Damery), William Aelick, Beverly Lyons, Belinda Junor |
| Grandchildren | Thirteen named individuals; one listed as late Sarah |
| Great-grandchildren | Twenty-five, including Brook nadjiwon (late Brook listed among names) |
| Siblings | sister Jenny Simons, brother Vern Chamberlin |
| Notable roles | Farming and market gardening, 4-H leader, St. Joseph Island Historical Society member |
What memories will you share about Grace’s impact on her family and community? How do you see local volunteers shaping small towns for future generations?
Grace’s life reminds us how families weave together work, education, and civic service into a lasting legacy. Her story echoes in the fields she tended, the books she read, and the histories she helped preserve for St. Joseph Island and its residents.
Share your condolences and reflections below,and may Grace’s memory continue to inspire acts of service in communities everywhere.
Succession Planning
Grace Aelick (1939‑2026): early Life and Farming Roots
- Born in 1939 on a family‑owned homestead in the Midwest, Grace grew up immersed in seasonal cycles and the practical skills of small‑scale agriculture.
- Her childhood chores—planting corn, caring for livestock, and preserving produce—laid the foundation for a lifelong commitment to sustainable farming practices.
Family Legacy and Generational Farming
- Marriage and Partnership
- Grace married fellow farmer Thomas Aelick in 1962; together they expanded the 150‑acre farm to include diversified crops such as soybeans, wheat, and heirloom vegetables.
- Children and Succession Planning
- Their three children—Emily, Michael, and Sarah—joined the operation in the 1980s, learning crop rotation, soil health monitoring, and market diversification.
- Grace instituted a family farm council, meeting quarterly to discuss planting schedules, equipment upgrades, and long‑term stewardship goals.
- Mentorship of grandchildren
- In the 2000s, Grace introduced hands‑on workshops for grandchildren, emphasizing organic pest control, cover cropping, and the importance of local food systems.
Community Contributions
- Farmers’ Cooperative Leadership
- Served on the board of the County Agricultural Cooperative (1995‑2015), championing collective bargaining for seed purchases and shared processing facilities.
- Educational Outreach
- hosted annual open‑farm days, attracting over 500 visitors each season, where she demonstrated traditional preservation techniques (canning, fermenting, root cellaring).
- Local Initiatives
- Co‑founded the “Fresh Harvest Market” in 2008,a farmer‑run grocery that supplied fresh produce to schools and senior centers within a 30‑mile radius.
- Volunteer Service
- Donated surplus grain to the Regional Food Bank during drought years (1999, 2012, 2020).
- Organized the “Harvest for Home” fundraiser,raising $12,500 in 2021 to support low‑income families.
Impact on Sustainable Agriculture
- soil conservation Practices
- Implemented no‑till planting and cover‑crop rotations, reducing erosion by an estimated 30 % on her land according to a 2014 county soil survey.
- Water Management
- Installed drip‑irrigation systems in 2005, cutting water usage by 45 % while maintaining yields.
- Energy Adoption
- Added a 50 kW solar array in 2018, offsetting the farm’s electricity consumption and inspiring neighboring farms to explore similar projects.
Remembering Grace Aelick: Tributes and Memorials
- Obituary Highlights
- Published in the Midwest Rural Gazette (January 10, 2026) emphasized her “unwavering dedication to family, land, and community.”
- Memorial Service
- Held at the family farm chapel on January 13, 2026; attendees included local officials, cooperative members, and former students from her farm‑school workshops.
- Legacy Scholarship
- The “Grace Aelick Sustainable Agriculture Scholarship” was established at the State Agricultural College, awarding $2,000 annually to students pursuing organic farming curricula.
Preserving Her farming Heritage
- Digital Archive Project
- Family collaborators launched an online repository (www.GraceAelickLegacy.org) featuring:
- Scanned farm journals (1960‑2025) detailing planting calendars, weather logs, and market prices.
- Photo galleries of seasonal harvests, community events, and multi‑generational farm work.
- Oral‑history recordings of Grace discussing soil health, crop diversity, and rural community resilience.
- Community Garden Dedication
- The town of Oakfield inaugurated the “Grace Aelick Community garden” in spring 2026, featuring heirloom vegetable plots and a exhibition area for integrated pest management.
Practical Tips Inspired by Grace Aelick’s Farming Philosophy
| Topic | Grace’s Approach | Actionable Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Crop Rotation | Alternated corn, soy, and legumes every 3‑year cycle. | Plan a 3‑year rotation to improve soil nitrogen and break pest cycles. |
| Soil Health | Used composted barnyard manure and green manure cover crops. | Add 2–3 inches of compost annually and plant a cover crop each off‑season. |
| Water Efficiency | Adopted drip irrigation with rain‑sensor timers. | Install drip lines and connect them to a sensor that pauses watering during rain. |
| Community Engagement | Hosted quarterly “farm open house” events. | Invite neighbors to a seasonal tour; share a recipe using farm produce to spark interest. |
| Renewable Energy | Integrated solar panels for farm power needs. | Evaluate a small solar kit (50 kW) for irrigation pumps to lower utility costs. |
Key Takeaways for Modern Farmers and Rural Residents
- holistic stewardship: Combining soil, water, and energy practices creates a resilient farm ecosystem.
- Family involvement: Structured mentorship and shared decision‑making sustain generational continuity.
- Community integration: Local markets, cooperative leadership, and volunteerism amplify a farm’s social impact.
- Legacy preservation: Documenting daily operations and stories ensures knowledge transfer to future growers.
Article prepared for archyde.com – Publication timestamp: 2026/01/13 16:17:47
