Shirley Blanchard
Unexpectedly, in the morning of August 1st, on what would have been her oldest son, Randy’s birthday, our mom, Shirley Blanchard (Chin), passed away, at the age of 90 years old. She is now joined with her husband Maurice, sons; Randy and Dennis, and daughter Lynne, as well as her parents, siblings, in-laws and many other family.
Our mom was born in Portage la Prairie on April 3rd, 1935 to Therese & Regis Lavallee. She lived and went to school in St. Ambroise for most of her young life. But, throughout her childhood she lived with a couple of her older sisters in St. Ambroise and Duck Bay. She moved to Portage and worked
as a nurse’s aide at the Holiday Retreat and Portage Hospital.
Her brother, Freddy, took her to be a farm-wife helper in Pipestone, Manitoba at the Blanchard family farm where she met our Dad, Maurice. They married on November 15th, 1952, and in August 1953, they welcomed their first born son, Randy. In July of 1956, Dennis followed then Lynne in September 1958, Daphne in September 1963, and then in April 1969, Corrie was born to complete their family of seven. Mom always said that her greatest accomplishment in life was having and raising her five children, of which she was so very proud of all of us and also her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Mom also took the best care of Dad. He never had to worry about his many different outfit changes throughout the day, whether he was at the garden or running into town to go play the piano, there was always a fresh set of clothes or suit ready to go, on the bed. Many people didn’t realize that our mom was our dad’s memory. He would often ask for someone’s phone number, “the name of so and so’s wife, and he would say to her, Shirley, how did that song go”. She would hum it and he would sit down at the piano and play it. She even helped him record the Christmas tape he made for his kids and grandkids. She was proud to be his wife.
She loved to cook for one and all and welcomed all our friends into the house. Our friends called our mom one of their favorites! She loved the time she spent in Delta, with her daughters at Lynch’s, going for rides with Dave to Delta, and to the Island Park. But most of all she loved being with her family!
She was a strong, petite woman and went through so many challenges, health and loss. And she kept going, until she couldn’t fight anymore. We are grateful we got to have her for as long as we did and are happy we had the best mom, even though she could be a pain sometimes, with her lists. Lol!
Left to cherish her memory is her daughter Daphne (Craig) Steeden of Portage and grandson Todd (Jessica) and great grandchildren Grayson and Gabi, granddaughter Cara (Shandy) and great grandsons Logan, Declan, and Dylan, daughter Corrie (Ric) Inkster of Winnipeg, grandsons Cole and Aidyn (Adrienne) and great grandson Sky. Mom’s partner Dave Charette and Randy’s partner Pam, and her children Sarah and Olivia. As well as mom’s brother Marcel Lavallee and family. Randy’s children; Carmen (Brian) and children, Derek, Tyler (Brittany) and children, and their mom, Andrea. Dennis’s children; Adam and daughter, Aaron (Erika) and children, and their mom Sharon, Sam (Mike) and their children, Josh (Meg) and their mom, Debbie. Lynne’s children; Mike (Chantale) and his children, Shane and his children, and Lisa (Brittany). and their dad, Lawrence. Along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
We welcome everyone to remember our mom in their own way and encourage you to write your memories on her memory wall. As to honour our Mother’s wishes, a private, immediate family interment has taken place.
Mom, we love you and we will miss you dearly, until we meet again. Your girls Daphne and Corrie.
Condolences can be made online at http://www.flynnmemorial.com
Flynn Memorial Services is entrusted with the arrangements.
