9 James Street South | Forest, Ontario N0N 1J0 | Phone: (519) 786-2401 | Email: office@dennings.ca
Tribute Wall
In Memory of
Barbara Jean Blewett
1940 - 2018
Loading...
D
Diane Baker posted a condolence
Saturday, April 13, 2019
My sincere Condolences to Barbaras family and friends. I am a granddaughter of (late)Minnie Dores Blewett- Baker(Leo), daughter of Frank & Ida Baker, all of Lambeth/London, On.
May all your beautiful memories give you peace.
Blessings. Diane E Baker & family
M
Mary Alderson posted a condolence
Saturday, August 4, 2018
Memories of Barbara Blewett
By her sister, Mary (Blewett) Alderson
Barbara was always, first and foremost, a teacher. In fact, I must admit, that was one of my pet peeves. Whenever she asked me to do something for her, she would explain it precisely, with perfect enunciation, in measured tones, as if she were speaking to a third grader. This habit lasted until, well, last week, when she was telling me why it was important for her to park her wheelchair in the shade and still see Thomas singing on the stage on Grand Bend beach. Her mind was made up and she was not moving. Woe to anyone who might have put their lawn chair in front of her and blocked her view.
One of my early memories is of Barbara & Judy moving to London to attend Teachers’ College. I was in Kindergarten the time. They brought home the Dick and Jane books and got me reading. “See Spot run!” I was bored in Grade one when we were supposed to start reading Dick and Jane. I remember proudly telling my classmates I had already read all three Dick and Jane books because my big sisters were teachers now.
Doing well in school was always Barbara’s goal for me. She and my mother asked about every spelling dictation quiz, every times-table test, every geography map I had to trace. When I was in grade four, I wrote a speech using Barbara’s letters from Japan. She wrote home almost weekly, on those thin, blue paper aerograms, which folded up to make their own envelope. My speech was about a trip to Japan. I can probably still recite it today “If you should go Japan, you would probably stay at a Ryokan, or Japanese Inn. You would leave your geta or shoes at the door, and enter on a tatami mat wearing your tabi or socks ….” And on it went. Three years later, when Barb returned from Japan, I found out I pronounced every Japanese word wrong. But apparently the judges at the Thedford Legion didn’t know any Japanese and I won the trophy for the region. Barb kept the photo of me clutching that trophy, a little golden man like Oscar at a podium.
When I was in Grade six at Bosanquet Central School, Barbara became the grade 7 teacher and also taught my Science class. I don’t think she ever had any idea what that meant. I was picked on at recess and bullied on the school bus. “Miss Blewett is too strict” was what I heard most often. It was really bad when my friend Darrell was sent to the principal’s office for not completing his Dinosaur project. Anyway, one of the grade 7 mean girls came to me at the end of the school year and said “I never liked Miss Blewett, but she had really good projects in arts & crafts on Friday afternoons.” Wow, that was as good as it could get! One epic project was when Barbara had students collect Readers Digests, then they folded down every page, painted them, added Styrofoam balls for heads, and wool strands for hair, and each student created a pair of choir boys or girls to take home to their parents for Christmas presents. The whole school heard about it.
Barbara may have started me off in my current career of writing theatre reviews. She took me to the Stratford Festival for my very first time. I was in grade eight and had a new dress that I had made in 4-H group. The prospect of wearing the new dress for a fancy occasion was more exciting than going to a Shakespearean play. But then, when we got there, it was Romeo and Juliet, the saddest love story ever. Juliet was a beautiful French Canadian actress named Louise Marleau. Romeo was none other than Christopher Walken, when he was young and handsome, if you can believe it. I still have the program. Later, Thomas took over the role of getting Barbara and me to theatre.
When I went off to University in 1974, I was thinking I needed things, like dishes or pots and pans. Barb kept my academics in mind and bought me a typewriter – a lovely Smith-Corona in a huge, heavy, black suitcase. She even made sure that I could snap off certain keys and snap on letters with all the French accents for my French classes. I used that Smith-Corona until I got my first Atari, yes Atari, computer in 1988. As an aside, I had to save my work regularly on floppy disks, because baby Thomas would crawl over and push the red button on the power bar, and I’d lose all my work when the computer shut down.
Barbara was thinking like a school teacher back in 1984 when I was pregnant with Chelsey. Our Ukrainian doctor had estimated Chelsey’s arrival to be January 7 – the Ukrainian Christmas, he said. If it was a boy, we had to call it Nicholas. The whole family was excited about January 7. But then, as the pregnancy progressed, I saw the obstetrician at St. Joes Hospital in London, and he took one look at me, still fully clothed, and said, no, I would be having a New Year’s baby instead of a Ukrainian Christmas baby. Then he examined me, and said “hmmm, maybe a Dec. 25th Christmas baby, or maybe a new year’s eve baby.” He would bet money I’d deliver between Christmas and New Year’s Eve. So I went home and reported that exciting news to the family. This was probably about mid-December.
And that doctor was right on. On December 30th, I went to the hospital and our darling wee Chelsey arrived! Later that day, I called Barbara to tell her the good news. Before I could say a word, Barb interrupted me. She said “I’ve been thinking about what the doctor said about you having the baby in December instead of January.” “But, But,” I said. And she continued, “I think you should wait until January. January babies always do better in school.” “But, But,” I said. And she continued “If you have the baby before New Year’s, it will be the youngest in the class, and sometimes they struggle”. “But, but,” I said. Finally, she was finished with all the reasons I should tell this baby to wait til January, and then I had the chance to tell her that our baby girl had already arrived. Although it didn’t go according to the plan in her teacher’s mind, she was there the next morning to welcome Chelsey. Three years later when Thomas arrived in December, I guess she gave up on babies’ listening to her timing advice. Of course, she was happy to be proven wrong when both of them excelled at school, despite being December kids.
Looking through Barbara’s scrap books this week, I found a little booklet, written carefully in pencil with drawings, and stapled together by a Grade Four student, Fiona Young, detailing the 1988-89 school year. She had a page for every letter of the alphabet. A is for Arithmetic that Miss Blewett taught us. B is for the books that Miss Blewett read to us. I skipped though this booklet to the end. The last page said, “Z is for our class that acts like a Zoo. Have a great summer, Miss Blewett.” By the way, I’ve tracked down Fiona’s sister and I’m sending her that booklet.
I have good memories of Barbara, Mom & I sitting on our lawn chairs, on the beach at Ipperwash, each of us with a book in hand. Barbara’s guilty pleasure was Harlequin Romances. She always had hand-sewn, quilted book covers over the book, to hide the fact she was reading a cheap romance. Later when Chelsey & Thomas were wee ones splashing in the shallow lake, it was Barbara who gave up reading to keep a watchful eye on the kids. For many years, Victor & I were busy on Saturdays doing wedding photography. Chelsey and Thomas spent their Saturday afternoons at Ipperwash with Barbara as their life guard. She also saved the week’s bread crusts so Chelsey and Thomas could feed the seagulls.
Church was always an important part of Barb’s life --- I believe she was baptized at Yarmouth Centre United Church, just outside St. Thomas. Then she grew up attending this church, going to Sunday School every Sunday. Later the family moved to Grand Bend and as a teenager she attended Grand Bend United Church. When she went to Japan to teach in 1963, the church, or maybe the UCW, gave her a wallet filled with cash to send her off. When she settled in Sarnia, she was active at Divine Street United, and later Dunlop. At one church, there was a minister who spoke with a strong accent. Quite often Barbara did the Bible readings, and some of the members of the congregation said they were glad Barbara gave the Bible readings; otherwise they weren’t sure what the minister was preaching on.
I spent the past week going through Barbara’s scrap books and photo albums – there were trips to Russia, Alaska, Vancouver, the Polar Bear Express, the Caribbean, Europe, and all over Asia. I’d find a photo and wonder when or where it was taken, or who she was with, and automatically, I reached for the phone to press Barbara’s number to ask her. I suspect I will be reaching for the phone and then missing her very much in the weeks, months and years to come.
P
Peter and Trish Challen posted a condolence
Wednesday, July 25, 2018
Barb's strength in facing a long term deterioration of her health is an example for all of us. She is admired as well as missed.
Peter and Trish Challen
M
Mary Garrett posted a condolence
Tuesday, July 24, 2018
I was saddened to read of Barbara's passing
Cherish all your memories , and find comfort in
knowing that Barbara is now at rest and in God's
hands.She was a great positive lady and talked so
proudly of her family. I have many wonderful memories
of Barbara from the manor. RIP.
Mary.
ANOTHER ANGEL HAS FOUND THEIR WINGS.
M
Mary uploaded photo(s)
Monday, July 23, 2018
/public-file/2939/Ultra/3d57d026-e37f-44f5-bb21-3b55ad50f517.jpg
Forbes, Laurie, Martyn
Jean, Margaret, Barbara, Steven
Marilyn, Hazel, Sandy
We think this was after Uncle Chuck's funeral, in 1982.
C
Cousin Margaret uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, July 22, 2018
/public-file/2938/Ultra/c3298b52-de06-417f-aef4-0e6bc856d489.jpg
An improved photo of Martyn, with Marcus and Barbara; August 2013.
M
Marie Gilroy posted a condolence
Sunday, July 22, 2018
I had the wonderful opportunity to deal with Barbara for my 34 years being an Optician in Sarnia and helping her see better with each pair of eyeglasses. She loved the unique styles, coloured frames and was a trend setter! Such a lovely lady!
I thoroughly enjoyed our interactions together.
S
Steven Lee uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, July 22, 2018
/public-file/2933/Ultra/7cd1535a-3cd2-433a-baa1-b6c8c2741bc3.jpg
Aunt Gladys with Barbara, Aunt Dorothy and Vicki Golmer just before their Alaska cruise.
S
Steven Lee uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, July 22, 2018
/public-file/2934/Ultra/0611548b-5ba8-4744-aea5-9a717ac956c4.jpg
Aunt Gladys with Barbara
S
Steven Lee uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, July 22, 2018
/public-file/2931/Ultra/13994463-a33a-4980-b2aa-f3b89c8f4687.jpg
Barbara and Judy in Japan in 1965.
S
Steven Lee uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, July 22, 2018
/public-file/2932/Ultra/17a991f4-9192-4cdb-8335-3a8eeb00c7bb.jpg
Aunt Gladys with Barbara, Judy and Paul.
D
Doug and Debbie Procter posted a condolence
Sunday, July 22, 2018
Mary, Victor and family
Our deepest sympathy to all of you in the loss of your sister, sister-in-law and aunt. May the good times you shared, help to carry you through this difficult time. We will keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
B
Brian Forbes Colgate uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, July 22, 2018
/public-file/2930/Ultra/cd73827e-a5e4-4b61-9deb-10689292345c.jpg
Four generations 1940
Hazel Blewett, infant Barbara Blewett, Great Grandmother Fearman, Grandmother Martyn
B
Brian Forbes Colgate uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, July 22, 2018
/public-file/2928/Ultra/97aaf40e-a2e2-4193-94e0-a91e71983546.jpg
Barbara and Philip Colgate at the party for Barbara's Uncle Forbes and Aunt Jean in Woodstock
2002-10-05
B
Brian Forbes Colgate uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, July 22, 2018
/public-file/2929/Ultra/521fc533-49e1-4e82-8406-3733e9c404b4.jpg
Barbara's cousin, Susan Colgate, with her daughter, Lydia, visiting from Australia
2003-11-23
M
Mary uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, July 22, 2018
/public-file/2927/Ultra/5165c3fc-87fc-4876-87b4-3d03e071dbde.jpeg
Barbara’s school pictures. Her first year teaching in 1961 and her last year before retirement in 1996.
D
David Finlay posted a condolence
Saturday, July 21, 2018
I was saddened to hear of Barbara's passing. I have many fond memories of Barbara as a neighbour, as a classmate, and as a childhood playmate, along with Judy and Paul, before they moved away from Thedford, and before Mary.
Barbara was a delightfully likeable person, as were her siblings.
My sincere condolences to all the family.
David Finlay
Vancouver Island
M
Mary Alderson uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, July 21, 2018
/public-file/2926/Ultra/8e0225f3-e6ec-4de0-9401-92f4a05ce6a8.jpg
Chelsey Alderson & Jonathan Fowler's wedding, Sept. 9, 2017
Thomas, Mary, Jonathan, Chelsey, Victor
Barbara
M
Mary Alderson uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, July 21, 2018
/public-file/2925/Ultra/346ed00e-2b85-4ce1-b928-a1e16f8c59a6.jpg
Christmas at the Country Manor 2013
Thomas, Chelsey, Victor, Mary
Barbara
M
Mary Alderson uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, July 21, 2018
/public-file/2924/Ultra/6b836fea-13f7-41fd-8298-7c38d7c7fa5f.jpg
Hazel and Bill's 60th Wedding Anniversary, August 1998
Thomas, Mary, Victor, Chelsey, Lydia
Barbara, Hazel, Bill, Judy.
M
Mary Alderson uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, July 21, 2018
/public-file/2923/Ultra/6b09da5b-8270-4d24-985d-323f3d1fcbdb.jpg
Hazel & Bill's 50th Wedding Anniversary, August 1988.
Lydia, Mark, Judy, Andy, Barbara, Victor, Mary
Bill, Thomas, Hazel, Chelsey.
M
Mary Alderson uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, July 21, 2018
/public-file/2922/Ultra/88faa9bf-0210-477f-a618-d3c18cff8812.jpg
Mary and Barbara, June 22, 1979
M
Mary Alderson uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, July 21, 2018
/public-file/2921/Ultra/a17c6d8d-56ef-4ddd-8f08-79632dd165ed.jpg
Barbara, Judy, Andy, Gerry. January 21, 1967
M
Mary Alderson uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, July 21, 2018
/public-file/2920/Ultra/0436ffbd-4f06-43a4-8eef-e64d50a071f3.jpg
Judy, Mary, Barbara.
M
Mary Alderson uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, July 21, 2018
/public-file/2919/Ultra/d8e515cb-41e9-479b-ab55-11863c3ea487.jpg
Kettle POint - Judy, Barbara, Ron Barton, Mom (Hazel), with Mary on the Kettle.
M
Mary Alderson uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, July 21, 2018
/public-file/2918/Ultra/ca676a76-9f67-48ae-b3dd-c72dce3dd6e3.jpg
Barbara, Paul, Mary, Judy. 1957
M
Mary Alderson uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, July 21, 2018
/public-file/2917/Ultra/735f9f5f-f6a5-4dae-94f5-5da125c628b3.jpg
Mom and Barbara
M
Mary Alderson uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, July 21, 2018
/public-file/2916/Ultra/16eedbc8-3302-4b0c-bf0b-1a4a51ec1f65.jpg
Barbara with Dad
M
Mary Alderson uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, July 21, 2018
/public-file/2915/Ultra/4c54317e-764c-4e7b-8004-655edddb1d47.jpg
Judy, Barbara and Paul
M
Mary Alderson uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, July 21, 2018
/public-file/2914/Ultra/84417766-6eef-479b-bc3e-96dd11854094.jpg
Baby Barbara
M
Mary Alderson uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, July 21, 2018
/public-file/2913/Ultra/4c90a5af-9791-4a35-9817-b1987ebdd115.jpg
Four generations. Barbara in 1940 with Great Grandma, Mom (Hazel Blewett) on left and Grandma Martyn on right.
S
Steve and Melodie Northey posted a condolence
Saturday, July 21, 2018
Dear Mary, Victor, and family,
Please accept our condolences on the passing of Mary's sister Barb. We hope the wonderful memories you have of her will lessen the sadness in this time of loss.
Melodie & Steve
M
Marilyn Burr posted a condolence
Saturday, July 21, 2018
Sincere sympathy to Barbara's sisters and family in the passing of a great friend and a fabulous colleague. I taught with Barbara for many years and she was such a dedicated teacher who loved her students and cared so much about them. She never let her handicap (chiari syndrome) hinder her outlook on life. Even through all her surgeries and move to County Manor; she was such a beautiful positive, thankful person. A Blessing she gave her body for research at School of medicine. We will never forget this wonderful person.
T
Tamara Leonenko posted a condolence
Saturday, July 21, 2018
My sincere condolances to the family of Miss Blewett.She was my grade 2 Teacher at Devine Street School many years ago..actually I just found old school pictures and was reminiscing and thought Miss Blewett was a very nice teacher.So very sorry for your loss. Tamara
R
Rev. Christine O'Reilly posted a condolence
Saturday, July 21, 2018
I am saddened to read that Barb has passed away. I got to know her a little doing services at The Manor. She was a regular at chapel, and I enjoyed our brief visits. Barb was such an intelligent, kind woman whose joy shone through despite her illness. She was a thoughtful worshipper; I looked forward to seeing her each month when I led the service, and I will miss seeing her.
Praying for her family to know God's peace and hope.
s
susan colgate lit a candle
Saturday, July 21, 2018
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/Candle2.png
S
Susan Colgate posted a condolence
Friday, July 20, 2018
Barbara was a joy filled, joy giving person.
My earliest memory is as a young child sitting in Thedford playing with dolls and a china tea set with an older cousin Barbara helping me. Ipperwash beach with many cousins running into the water and endless summer picnics spent around the big and little cottages. Annual summer family picnics with huge extended family from all over SW Ontario. Smaller though still many in number, Sadler, Blewett, Colgate and Lee families gathered for Christmases, special events or just Sunday at our Martyn grandparents’ home in Talbotville. Barbara was a loved older member in the collection of 17 cousins.
My mum, Jean, held a special link with Barbara as they shared a common name. I believe mum, a nurse, may have helped deliver Barbara Jean.
Barbara’s joy in teaching and travel was obvious and certainly contributed to my own choices to become a teacher then to travel beyond Canada to Australia, where I have lived for over 40 years. I completely understand her lifelong passion for sharing with and caring for others.
Barbara cared for many and brought joy to each person she encountered. She shared her best and encouraged others to be their best always.
Barbara via internet shared her life interests and her joys related especially to Mary, Victor, Thomas and Chelsey through the years. She proudly informed me of their life events with attachments of newspaper articles, paintings, latest musical show notices and wedding photos. She took great joy in them.
In closing two quotes I find comfort in at this time: “Love is how you stay alive, even after you are gone.” and “To live in hearts we leave behind is never to die.” My wonderful cousin Barbara will remain forever alive.
B
Brian Forbes Colgate posted a condolence
Friday, July 20, 2018
Dear Judy and Mary and families,
I was sorry to learn of Barbara's passing. She has been an ever present in my life, and lately the Matriarch of the Martyn clan. May Barbara rest in peace and rise in Glory.
I am sorry that Carol and I will not be able to attend, but our prayers will be especially with you at the time of Barbara's funeral.
Blessings to you all, always,
Brian
i
The family of Barbara Jean Blewett uploaded a photo
Thursday, July 19, 2018
/tribute-images/8083/Ultra/Barbara-Blewett.jpg
Please wait
We're Here to Help
