October 10, 1925 - March 11, 2022
On March 11, 2022, our mother, Grandmother, and GG, Colleeyne Patricia (Pat)Blakely passed away peacefully surrounded by family.
Mom was born October 10,1925 to Bill and Elsie Colborne in Manville. She grew up on the farm along side her brother Bud, pony Dub, and faithful dog Bozo. In 1941 the family moved to Red Deer.
Mom completed her education at Normal School in Calgary. She became a teacher at the age of 19 and taught in 3 Central Alberta one room schools. There were times when her students were older than she.
During this time Bud introduced her to our dad Manly Blakely. They were married in 1948 and went on to have 3 daughters, Shauna, Shelley, and Kim. After more than 20 moves to accommodate Dad's work in the oilfield they settled in Sylvan Lake in 1960.
Here they built the Embee Motel which mom ran for 17 years. During this time Mom was asked if she would act as Sylvan Lake's first school trustee. This was a position she held for 30 years much of it as chairwoman. In 1980 she received what she considered to be her greatest honor when the County of Red Deer named the new school "C.P. Blakely Elementary".
Mom was a tireless community builder and was rewarded by being chosen Citizen of the Year. During this time Mom became involved in politics serving as councillor and mayor for more than a decade. She was also very involved with Chamber of Commerce promoting Sylvan Lake through events such as Winter Carnival and 1913 Days.
After retiring Mom continued to contribute by becoming active with Communities in Bloom and Sylvan Lake Archives. She was an active member of the Sylvan Lake Presbyterian Church and Community Center Walking Group. In 2012 Mom was chosen as a recipient of the Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal honouring significant contributions and achievements by Canadians. Mom endeavoured to live up to the motto "sometimes the best man for the job is a woman". As busy as she was, mom always found time for family. She became a sports fan for grandchildren, sewed drapes and costumes, and still made time to bake cookies.
Mom was very wise and instilled strong family values and work ethics. We will miss her wit, advice, opinions, and loving support.
Mom was predeceased by our dad Manly (1968), parents Elsie and Bill Colborne, parents- in-law Ena and Bird Blakely, Brother Bud Colborne, sister-in-law and best friend Paddy Colborne, sister-in-law and friend Judy Colborne and granddaughter-in-law Jenn Newsome.
Mom will be greatly missed by her girls Shauna (Jim) Newsome, Shelley Blakely, and Kim (Robert)Popilchak. Six grandchildren- Shaun Newsome, Jodi (Brad) Willey, Scott (Kerry) Newsome, Ryan (Rita Aiello) Popilchak, Kyla (Shawn) Stack, and Katie (James) Gusa. Also 11 great grandchildren Noah Newsome, Van and Burton Willey, Sebastian and Kaeson Newsome, Octavia and Rosa Popilchak, Brenna and Sabina Stack, Hugo, and Oscar Gusa.
Mom is also survived by her brother Bud's 11 children and their families whom she considered to be a very important part of her life.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to ALS, Red Deer Hospice or Sylvan Lake Lodge.
Cremation entrusted to Rocky Mountain Crematorium, Rocky Mountain House, Alberta.
Condolences may be forwarded to www.sylvanlakefuneralhome.ca
Rocky and Sylvan Lake Funeral Homes, Your Golden Rule Funeral Homes, entrusted with the arrangements. 403-887-2151
Rocky and Sylvan Lake Funeral Homes