Obituary of Elizabeth Blair

It is with profound sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Jean Elizabeth Blair, aged 91, Saturday evening, May 4 at home with her husband Ken at her side. She was born May 2, 1928 in Truro, Nova Scotia, the eldest of three girls to Roy and Roberta (Drysdale) Charman.

Elizabeth grew up in Wallace, Nova Scotia. After boarding in nearby Oxford to attend high school, she went on to Normal College in Truro. She met her husband in Wallace Station where she had taken the teaching position in a one room school house. Ken, four years her senior, served on the school board. Shortly after marrying in 1952, they moved to Saint John where she began to work alongside her husband, who was pursuing opportunities in construction. They announced the birth of their first of five children in 1954.

Elizabeth and Ken joined the Glen View United church and became active members, developing lifelong friendships. The church became a focal point through involvement in many church committees and the UCW. Elizabeth’s devotion to her family and friends was unwavering and perhaps highlighted by the assistance given to her husband throughout their sixty-seven years of married life.

She provided every learning opportunity for her children, whether it was through cross country trips as the lone driver or encouragement for secondary education. Their cottage in Browns Flat became a welcoming meeting point for her expanding family and many friends.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her sister Ruth (Slauenwhite), sons Paul (Carol), Alan (Betty Jane), John (Sandra), daughter Barbara (John), and son Malcolm (Wendy) and grandchildren: Jamie, Jordan, Emily, David, Matthew (Heidi), Jeffrey, Christopher, Colin, Sarah, Jennifer (Adarsh), Katie (Jordan), Brianna, Jessie, Jessica and five great grandchildren. She was predeceased by a sister Barbara (Carn).

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424). Visitation will take place at Harmony United Church, 8 Upland Rd, Saint John on Thursday, May 9, from 5:00 to 8:00pm. A Funeral Service will be held at Harmony United Church on Friday, May 10, 2019 at 1:00 PM with reception to follow. A private interment will be held at Wesley United Church in Browns Flat. For those who wish, remembrances may be made to Harmony United Church or a charity of donor's choice.