Allyson Marie McGrane

Allyson Marie McGrane, 48, of Vancouver, B.C. passed away on March 15, 2024, at the Vancouver General Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer.

Allyson was born on July 26, 1975, to Jim and Rosella McGrane in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. She grew up in Moose Jaw where she graduated from Vanier Collegiate. While growing up, Allyson was very involved in music; learning to play the piano, singing in the high school choir and playing flute in the Moose Jaw Lion's Band. While in high school, Allyson started her lifelong passion for drama. She also enjoyed speed skating, downhill skiing, swimming, and water skiing at the family cabin.

Allyson received a Bachelor of Arts degree in drama and political science from the University of Saskatchewan and a law degree from the University of Victoria. While in Victoria she met her lifelong partner, Shane Birley.

In 2001, Allyson and Shane moved to Vancouver. She and Shane operated Left Right Minds, a company dedicated to providing administrative and computer support to many arts organizations. She was an amazing grant writer securing millions of dollars of funding for many arts organizations. She touched so many people in her work life and personal life.

Allyson's passion for drama included performing improv, producing shows, and teaching arts administration at Capilano University. She also loved cooking and experimenting with different cuisines. Allyson, although she lived in British Columbia, continued to support her beloved Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Allyson is survived by her spouse Shane, her parents, Jim and Rosella, brother David (Caroline Vigneault - niece Anne and nephew Gabriel), sister Jaime (Kevin Stam - niece Viola and nephew Tristan) and Shane's parents Bob and Linda Birley, sister Kristen Birley and niece Elora. She will also be missed by her two adorable pugs Dorie and Lily.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Allyson's name, may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the BC Cancer Society.