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MADELINE EDITH ELIZABETH BLANCHARD
Born: Mar 23, 1934
Date of Passing: Dec 08, 2024
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryMADELINE EDITH ELIZABETH BLANCHARD
With heavy hearts we announce the peaceful passing of Madeline Edith Elizabeth Blanchard (née Blain) on December 8, 2024, from the loving arms of Bob (Robert), her devoted husband, into the loving arms of her Heavenly Father. She was also surrounded by her loving children Elizabeth (Robert Kroeker), James (Amy Blanchard), and Louise (Tom Klos) at home. Her youngest son, Jonathan (Deanna Blanchard), joined in prayerful support from Thunder Bay, Ontario.
Madeline's greatest joy was her family. She was a deeply loving mother to her children and a devoted grandmother to her 9 grandchildren—Daniel, Bryan, Hannah, Andrea, Sarah, Samantha, Timothy, Isabel, and Genevieve—and 6 great-grandchildren—Desmond, Martha, Oliver, Maya, Seth, and Maxine. She poured her heart into nurturing, encouraging, and praying for each of them, even in her final days. Her home was a sanctuary of love, warmth, and belonging, a place where her smile and sparkling blue eyes lit up every room.
Madeline and Bob shared an extraordinary bond; a partnership rooted in deep love, faith, and mutual respect. To Bob, she was a stronghold and a source of unwavering support; his nurturer and his greatest ally. Their marriage, which began on May 25, 1957, was a testament to the power of love, patience, and dedication to one another and to Christ.
Madeline is also survived by her cherished siblings, Philip Blain, and Barbara Evans (Larry), sister-in-law Jane (Paul), cousins, and chosen extended family, Farhad and Yasamin Asmat. Madeline was predeceased by her parents, Frederick and Marian Blain.
A defining chapter in Madeline's life was her unwavering care for her youngest child with a debilitating illness. Through sleepless nights and tireless days, her faith never wavered, carrying her through this challenging time until the miraculous healing of her child - a profound testament to her steadfast trust in God. Throughout all times, Madeline remained devoted to all of her children, embodying grace and strength. Madeline was a woman of deep insight, wisdom, and compassion. Her strong Christian faith shaped her life and inspired her family in faith, love and humility.
Madeline's kindness extended far beyond her family. She was a natural leader who preferred to guide "from behind," always pragmatic and quick to see and meet the needs of others. She had an unparalleled gift for making others feel seen and valued. She opened her heart and home to strangers and the lonely, welcoming newcomers and refugees with generous hospitality. Whether through her work at St. Aidan's Anglican Church, where she initiated programs like "Loonie" Lunch, Welcoming Newcomers, and "Young Moms" bible study or through her countless quiet acts of care, she brought people together and made them feel at ease. Her life's work reflected her deep faith and her calling to serve. As a missionary in northern Pakistan, she met the challenges of a foreign land with resilience and grace, raising her family while supporting the work of Bach Christian Hospital and encouraging young nurses who fondly called her "Mom." She also enjoyed her roles in the Victorian Order of Nursing in Winnipeg and as a Community Health Nurse and teacher at the Aga Khan University School of Nursing in Pakistan. Through her Member Care role with TEAM in Pakistan, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe, she became a lifeline to many, offering encouragement and care to those in need.
Madeline's kindness, wisdom, and grace were felt by all who crossed her path. Her love for nature, animals, and laughter made her presence uplifting, and her warm hospitality drew people to her. Above all, she will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend who dedicated her life to nurturing others and sharing God's love.
Madeline's family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at St. Boniface Hospital Cardiac Care Unit, Palliative Home Care, and Dr. Michele Evans for their exceptional care and kindness.
A funeral service for Madeline will be held at St. Aidan's Anglican Church, 274 Campbell Street in Winnipeg, on January 4, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Aidan's Christian School or St. Boniface Cardiac Care Unit in Winnipeg.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 14, 2024
Condolences & Memories (12 entries)
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Dear Madelaine What a beauty you were and still are in my memory of you. Love and blessings to Bob and your family. Bonnie Bailey - Posted by: Bonnie Bailey (Friend from St Margarets) on: Feb 22, 2025
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Sad to hear of her passing. Although we've never met in person, I feel a strong bond to the Blain family, because of the fact Madeleine's father, Fred Blain, was in de Canadian army and liberated The Hague (The Netherlands) in 1945. It was there my grandparents came in contact with the Blain family. Contact that still exists, after nearly 80 years. - Posted by: M. van Ginkel (My grandparents were friends of her parents, Fred and Mally.) on: Jan 06, 2025
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We moved away from Winnipeg nearly 25 years ago, but the mention of the "Young Moms Bible Study" and "Loonie Lunch" brought back a flood of happy memories of Madeline, such a positive and godly influence for many of us who were young moms at the time. Condolences and peace to all the family in this time of grieving. - Posted by: Nancy Craig (friend) on: Jan 04, 2025
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My condolences and prayers go out to Bob and family at this difficult time. Rest in peace. - Posted by: Edward Czyzewski (Neighbour Netley Creek ) on: Jan 04, 2025
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My heartfelt condolences to Bob and the entire Blanchard family. I met Madeline 12 years ago at the young adults’ Bible study she hosted with her husband. She made Winnipeg feel like a home away from home. They warmly introduced me to their granddaughters, Andrea, Sarah, and Samantha. Madeline made me feel special, seen, and loved. Around Christmas, she baked Christmas cookies for me on Monday evenings. She was phenomenal, and her faith in God amazed me. It was evident that she deeply loved people and her family. Madeline was my destiny connector, and her influence on my life was significant. My thoughts and prayers are with Bob and his family during this difficult moment. May you find comfort in the cherished memories you shared. Rest in peace, Nana, till we meet again. - Posted by: Naomi Ngigi (Friend ) on: Jan 03, 2025
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I am so sorry to hear of Madeline’s passing. I have known Madeline since I was a small child, as Bob and Madeline have always been great friends and mentors to my parents. I will always remember how friendly and welcoming she was—her smile was radiant, and her eyes sparkled with warmth and kindness. I have fond memories of visiting the Blanchard family home when I was very young—exploring the basement filled with fascinating travel mementos and listening to her wonderful stories. As I grew older, I developed a deep admiration for the love that Bob and Madeline shared and the warm, vibrant family hub they created. Their bond and family were truly inspiring, influencing my vision for the kind of family I hoped to create one day. Madeline will be deeply missed, but her legacy of love, kindness, and family will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. - Posted by: Jennifer Spencer (Family friend ) on: Jan 01, 2025
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I remember August 11, 1981, when Madeline met our family off the plane from Liverpool, when we emigrated to Canada. She was the first person we met in our new life in Winnipeg. She stood there smiling and was so warm and welcoming to us. She was gracious, graceful, caring and a true example of Jesus. I’m so grateful to God that she was one of my Mum’s dearest friends and a part of my life. - Posted by: Victoria Powell (Family friend) on: Dec 16, 2024
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I knew Madeline through my friendship with her eldest son, James. The Blanchard family is very special and is founded on the love that Madeline & Bob shared with their Lord God and then with each other. It is evident that they taught their children well. Madeline & Bob have always made me feel so welcome when in their midst. I am sure that Madeline’s children and grandchildren will continue to emulate her kindness and humility and love. May Bob have peace, knowing that Madeline is with her Lord. - Posted by: Mark Kubanek (friend of Madeline's son) on: Dec 15, 2024
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I’m so sad to hear this news. I’ll always cherish those precious times over a meal during my yearly trip to Winnipeg. May God give Dr Bob and the rest of the Blanchard tribe peace during this time - Posted by: Tim Wong (friend ) on: Dec 14, 2024
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I’d just like to say how kind, considerate, and welcoming Madeline was to me on every encounter. And not only to me but to everyone who came into contact with her. Also, in my observance, her obituary got it pitch perfectly and without a shadow of hyperbole, beginning with Bob’s love for Madeline and hers for him. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for such a quality example to all of us what it means, what it looks like and what it is to be one of Your blessed children! mlw. - Posted by: Mark Wilcoxson (Friend/Former Fellow TEAM Board Member) on: Dec 14, 2024
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Madeline Blanchard was, in our many encounters with her (through The Evangelical Alliance Mission), at the same time both a profoundly deep water and just a lot of fun. It is hard for us to now imagine Bob absent Madeline. But such absence is only temporary. Grieve well in Christ, our dear friend Bob. In Him, Don & Lynne Kowalenko, Calgary. - Posted by: Don Kowalenko (Friend) on: Dec 14, 2024
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My heartfelt condolences, love and prayers go out to Bob and the rest of the family. Madeline was a dear woman of faith and her kindness, generosity and thoughtfulness were true evidence of the outpouring of her relationship with her Lord, Jesus Christ. You were a treasure to all who new you dear Madeline. Rest eternal grant unto Madeline and may light perpetual shine upon her. Amen. Mark+. - Posted by: Rev. Dr. D. Mark Davison (Friend) on: Dec 14, 2024