It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Helen Blanchette on January 5th, 2015. Helen St. Marie was born on the St. Marie homestead one mile west of Cavalier, Saskatchewan, March 6th, 1923. She was the second eldest of 8 children. Helen married Rudy Blanchette November 16th, 1943, celebrating their 70th anniversary in November of 2013. Together they raised 7 children and were blessed with 15 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. Helen loved fashion and looked elegant wherever she went. She was a very talented seamstress, one of Vawn and area's best. Her daughter had hand sewn dresses every season. She was able to put together several patterns to make a one of a kind design. Helen could have rocked the Paris runways with her haute couture designs. Her talents also included cooking great meals for family and friends. The French tradition of meat pies at Christmas dinner was one of her specialties. A birthday was never forgotten. Every one of her children and Rudy could always depend on being honored with an angel food birthday cake, sometimes with money hidden inside. Helen spent many hours with her children at their school and sports activities. She generously contributed to community events in Vawn and was a member of the Vawn CWL, and later the North Battleford CWL. Her agility and long life can be attributed to always keeping busy gardening, picking berries, canning and preserving food to feed her family. The deep freeze and cold room were generally very well stocked. Her flower gardens reflected her love of colour and great designs. During retirement, Helen had many fond memories of dancing, fishing, cross country skiing and travelling with Rudy in their motor home. Since April of 2012, the Harwood Manor gave loving care to Helen. She enjoyed not having to cook and being treated so well. She was thought of a grandmother to some of the staff. Ask any one of her seven children and they will tell you the same thing: "We loved her will all our hearts" - "Children and Mothers never truly part, bound in the beating of each other's heart." Author Charlotte Grey. Memorial donations can be made to the charity of the donors choosing. Funeral services were held Thursday January 8, 2015 at St. Joseph's Church in North Battleford. Family has entrusted the staff of Sallows & McDonald-Wilson & Zehner with arrangements (306) 445-2418.
