LAURA BLACKHALL

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LAURA BLACKHALL
February 2, 1923 - December 28, 2021

With deep sadness, we announce the peaceful passing of Laura, on December 28, 2021, at the age of 98.
She was predeceased by her parents, Fred and Mary Popoff, brother Mike Popowe, sister Ann Kalmacoff, first husband James Stewart, second husband Alfred Blackhall and son Howard Stewart. Left to cherish her memory are her sons, Dennis (Beverley), Glenn (Debbie); grandchildren: Marina (Trevor), Gavin (Lauren), Shaun (Deanna) and Coreen; great-grandchildren: Katelyn, Madelyn, Amelia and Declan; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Laura was known for her organizational skills as well as her love of gardening, cooking, knitting, singing and painting. She especially loved her family and she always said they were her greatest joy! She would spend hours with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren doing crafts and telling stories.
Laura was born and raised in Benito, MB. She enjoyed school and sport activities such as softball and track and field. She was very competitive and even played football and hockey on the boy's teams. In her teen years, she worked at the General Store in Benito.
She married James Stewart in 1946 and they moved to the Stewart homestead in Thunder Hill, MB. In 1956, they built their new home on the same property with home-made lumber and house plans designed by Laura. Unfortunately, James passed away shortly afterwards at the age of 33. Eventually, Laura had the new house, and family moved to Swan River, MB. Here, she became the Matron of the first Swan Valley Seniors Home which she found challenging and rewarding.
In 1963, Laura married Alfred (Alf) Blackhall and moved the family to Winnipeg. She became the Activities Director at Middlechurch Home where she developed an entertainment program for seniors. As the program grew, Laura decided that an educational course should be offered for Recreation Directors. Laura created the course curriculum. Then, the program was established at Red River Community College with an initial class of 52 students. Forty years later, the program is still running. She was very proud of her achievement!
A special place for Laura and the family was the cottage at Caddy Lake, MB which Alf and his Dad Alec built shortly after the Second World War. Here, they experienced the joy and love of lake life.
In 1979, Laura and Alf travelled to Mesa, AZ for their first getaway from the winter season. They enjoyed life there so much that they bought their own place. Laura became involved in the recreational activities of the park and they made many great friends. She continued her winter escapes to Mesa for 27 years.
Thank you to the staff of Riverview Health Centre for their compassionate care and support during this difficult time. We will be forever grateful.
In keeping with Laura's wishes, cremation has taken place and a private family gathering was held at Coutu Funeral Home on January 3, 2022. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Laura's memory may be made to a charity of your choice.

E.J. Coutu & Co. Funeral Directors
204-253-5086

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 08, 2022