OLIVE MARY BLAKESLEY

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OLIVE MARY BLAKESLEY It is with sadness we announce the passing of our mother Olive Mary Blakesley, dearly beloved wife of the late Gordon Blakesley on March 6, 2008 at Grace Hospital. Predeceased by her parents, Nellie and Arthur White; sisters, Hazel Workentine of Casper, Wyoming and Ivy Maciolek of Hayward, California. Left to cherish her memory are two daughters, Catherine (Cathy) and Lois; son-in-law Rollie Fortin and two dearly loved grandchildren, Heather and Kevin. Also cherishing Olive's memory are Robert and Tannis Fortin and children, Tyler, Michelle, and Kyle who regarded Olive as Grandma Blakesley . Olive was born in Winnipeg June 20, 1922, the youngest daughter of Nellie and Arthur White. At the age of three Olive moved to Chicago with her parents and two sisters. Olive graduated as a Registered Nurse in Chicago, after which she served as an army nurse in Burma and India. After the war she worked in Public Health in Detroit. In 1950 Olive married Gordon Blakesley and returned to Canada. Two daughters were born and during their early years, Olive had several part time nursing positions at the Women's Pavilion, Deer Lodge Hospital, and the Cancer Foundation. In 1983 Olive retired from the Manitoba Department of Health as a Public Health Nurse, where strong personal friendships were developed. Retirement years were spent traveling with Gordon and partaking in Khartum Shrine activities. Olive was able to enjoy several visits with her two sisters when they met in Wyoming. During these visits she was able to enjoy the company of her nieces and their families. Summers were spent at Victoria Beach where she watched her daughters grow up enjoying the beach and its activities. Lifelong friends were made at Victoria Beach and retirement years with Gordon were spent relaxing at the lake with friends and her precious grandchildren. Olive was so happy to be able to see Heather and Kevin enjoy the beach and that she was able to spend time with them at the cottage. Olive was member of Sphinx Temple #116 Daughters of the Nile, where she was a member of the choir. Here she made many friends and was able to enjoy several yearly trips. Friendships with the ladies of the Silver Heights UCW group were also very special. Since January 2007, Olive resided at the Metropolitan Kiwanis Courts where she made new friends. She loved her apartment and the people at Kiwanis. Later years proved to be an enormous challenge for Olive, but she never once complained. She endured her illness with tolerance and exhibited great strength and patience. We will miss her sense of humour, her warm smile, her kind and caring manner, her gentle heart and her love. Olive always looked for the best in others and gave the best she had. She always asked What can I do for you? and then within her abilities, she did it. We rejoice in her wonderful life and the legacy of beautiful memories. To those who visited, sent cards, flowers, or phoned - thank you. Olive was so appreciative. Our family is grateful for your support. A special thank you is extended to Dr. Joshua, Dr. George and the staff of 3 South Grace Hospital for their wonderful care and compassion. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, March 12, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue, with interment and reception following. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Parkinson Society of Manitoba or a charity of your choice in memory of Olive. Chapel Lawn 885 - 9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 10, 2008