Blair, Alma Elizabeth
Alma Elizabeth Blair
It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of our mother, sister, mother-in-law, and grandma, Alma Elizabeth Blair on Monday, April 7th, 2024, at the age of 84 years.
Alma was born in Moose Jaw, SK on June 30th, 1939. She grew up on the Peel family farm with her parents and two sisters, Margaret and Anne. She graduated from Sion (Vanier Collegiate) in 1957 and then set her eyes for Teachers College.
Alma’s first teaching job sent her to Indian Head, SK where she met a tall, dark-haired stranger that fell in love with her. On August 27th, 1960, Alma married Dennis Blair in the Knox United Church in Grayburn, SK. They then made Moose Jaw their home and raised their two daughters, Jacqueline in 1961 and Stephanie in 1970.
Alma taught in the public school system as a kindergarten teacher for 31 years at all the schools except Ross and Empire. She was very dedicated to her students, helping them excel and find their way. Still to this day we love hearing people talk of how wonderful she was to them as a kid.
A devoted wife and mother when her day at school was done, Alma put even more of who she was in her home for us. Going above and beyond to make sure that we were put on the path to also find our way to our dreams. Our home was filled with life, love and laughter.
Kind, compassionate, talented and creative, Alma used her heart and her hands to either build, crochet, quilt, stitch, or paint something of her own idea to make something for friends or family. As well, many hours were spent helping build or fix cars with Dennis.
When Alma retired and became a grandma, she filled her grandchildren’s minds with ideas, created adventures for them, and listened deeply when they were troubled. She was their biggest fan, never missing special events or anything they participated in, and stood proudly beside them with their accomplishments.
She was predeceased by her husband, Dennis. Alma leaves behind her two daughters, Jacqui (Dale) Wilson, granddaughter, Talissa, and Stephanie (Blair) Yuke, and grandchildren Devin and Cali (Eric); sisters, Margaret (Gene) Johnson and Anne Bull; many dear family and friends, old and new; and her very special friend, Darlene Cavan.
Our family would like to thank Dr. Maree and Dr. Ramadan for their compassion and care. As well to the many Home Care nurses who helped mom.
A Private Family Service will be held at a later date to honour Alma. As an expression of sympathy, donations in Alma’s name may be made to The Moose Jaw Humane Society, Box 1658 Station Main, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 7K7. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Cara Ashworth Funeral Director 306-693-4550
Alma was the best colleague. So good with her littles. Always pleasant and upbeat. So lucky to have taught with her.
My condolences on the passing of Alma.
She looks very familiar, I am wondering if I taught with her at Westmount School in 1966. Her husband had a 409 black Chevy that I always remember seeing in the school parking lot one morning.
Alma will be missed by so many of us. My condolences to your family.
Jacqui and Stephanie.
Your mom was was one of the most influential educators in my life. On Sunday, before notice of Alma’s passing had been made public, I was telling my 5 year old daughter how lucky she was to be viewing the solar eclipse the next day while in Kindergarten and how, coincidently, one of the fondest memories of my childhood was watching the 1979 total solar eclipse from the window of Mrs. Blair’s kindergarten class at William Grayson School. I though a lot about your mom on Sunday and how the year spent in her class 45 years ago was so impactful on me during a time when I needed it most. It was incredibly sad to learn the very next day of Alma’s passing. I hope it is comforting to you to know that there are at least a thousand kind and well adjusted people in society that can trace their success and happiness in life to the positive start they were given through the fortune of being a student in your mom’s class. My sincere condolences to the entire family. Dave
Sorry for your loss. She was my kindergarten teacher at Westmount School. Thoughts and Prayers go out to her family
Mrs. Blair was my kindergarten teacher. I have wonderful memories of my time in her class. It always meant a lot to me that she remembered me throughout the years when she would have had so many faces to remember.
My condolences to her family. What a wonderful lady and a life well lived.
Jacqui & Stephanie,
I am so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Your mom was one of the most amazing people I have been blessed to know. I first met your mom in Kindergarten and then again throughout the years.
I know your hearts are broken and your lives have been turned inside out. Words will not wipe away your tears and hugs may not ease the pain, but hold onto your memories because forever they will remain.
Sincere condolences from my family to yours ♥️
Jacquie and Stephanie
My condolences in the passing of your Mother. Your parents spent a lot of time at our house visiting while you were growing up. Such great memories. Carol Dorward (new Rose). We lived on the same block on Hochelaga Street W.
We were so sorry to hear of the passing of Mrs. Blair. She was a wonderful kindergarten teacher at Prince Arthur School. Many school children were fortunate to be in her class. My two Daughters were so happy they had her for a teacher. Many children and parents loved Mrs. Blair. The students thought it was pretty cool when she rode her motorcycle to school. I am sure she will be missed by all who knew her. Our deepest sympathy to all of her family and friends. Take care.
Our deepest sympathy Stephanie, Blair and family at the loss of your Mom
Dear Jacqui and Family; sorry to hear about the passing of your beautiful Mom, I certainly see the resemblance.Take comfort in your precious memories and she’ll always be with you,take care!
my condolences to Stephanie and Jacquie.
your mom will be missed by all that knew her.
sorry for your loss
Jacqui and Stephanie,
Your mother was a wonderful, loving Sister and Sister-in-law and we are so grateful that Alma was always there for us be it in person or by phone. The shared memories remind us of how Alma was a very special person not only for us but for many others over many years. With our sympathy and love, Marg and Gene.
Dear Jacqui and Stephanie and family, I am so sorry to read of your mom’s passing. She was my mentor as I began my teaching career and a friend. She was talented at so many things from music to teaching to sewing (she made my bridesmaid dress for a friend’s wedding). She had an abundance of patience and such a calm demeanour. Hugs to you and may your memories of your life with her make you smile even as your tears fall.
Our condolences to you, Steph, Blair, Devon and Kali. Also to Jacqui and family.
Cherish the memories you have of your mother and grandmother.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Dear Jacqui and Steph–your folks were such special neighbours for so many years, always remembered and still missed. Every time I think of Alma I see her beautiful smile, so calm and patient and kind, but with that twinkle in her eyes that gave away the wonderful fun and humour that lay behind that serene smile.
We are so very sad to learn of Alma’s passing. From Ron and me, our caring thoughts go out to you both, and to your family, on the loss of your much-loved mom and grandma.
Dear Jacqui, Stephanie and families, we are so sorry to hear of your moms passing, take care and cherish the memories.
Stephanie, Blair and family, our deepest condolences on the loss of your Mom/Grandma. Hold the memories close to your hearts.
Dear Jacqui, Steph and Families,
Words cannot express our loss. I have a lifetime of memories of her caring, humorous and adventurous ways.
With love from, A. Anne Bull
Dear Jacqui and Stephanie,
We were so sorry to hear of your mom’ s passing. We have such fond memories of her as a colleague and neighbour. We wish to express our deepest sympathies.
Are thoughts are with you and your families,
Sharon Wetherill
Jerleen Wetherill