Audrey COOKE

BLAIR, Audrey (nee Cooke) 1915 - 2007 On Friday, October 26, 2007, at the Brentwood Care Centre (Calgary), Audrey Florence Blair passed away in her 92nd year. Audrey was born in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan on May 8, 1915. She was one of two daughters of the late Florence Bell (nee Wert) and Dr. George Lorne Cooke. Upon completion of her education in Lloydminster and Edmonton, Audrey owned and managed a successful dress shop in Lloydminster for several years, an achievement of which she was proud throughout her life. Audrey married her lifetime love, William (Buck) Blair on June 8, 1942. Audrey's married life was devoted to her family and she always had a special devotion to providing for them. She also took delight in the successes of her children and grandchildren, and was always willing to offer words of encouragement and praise such as "These things are sent to try us. It will be another string to your bow." Audrey is survived by her sons Robert (Virginia), Richard (Carolyn) and John (Patricia); grandchildren Kathryn, Karen, Jade Girard (Louis), Robert and Caitlin; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Marion and Norman Baier and family; nieces Jane Ruptash (Ken) and Joan Brown (Graham) as well as cousins, friends and neighbours. The family extends a special thanks to the caring friends and neighbours who visited and checked in on Audrey over the past sixteen years since Buck's passing. Audrey was predeceased by her husband of forty-eight years, Dr. William (Buck) Robert Nelson Blair, and her sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Arthur Shortell. In accordance with Audrey's wishes, a Funeral Service will not be held. A private family graveside celebration will take place in close proximity to Millbank, Ontario, where Buck was born. The family expresses sincere appreciation to the staff at the Brentwood Care Centre, in Calgary, Alberta for their care and support during Audrey's relatively very short time there. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made in Audrey's memory to a charity of your choice. "Bless your heart" Grandma, you added many "strings to our bows" and you will be missed. We know that you will be at peace, reunited next to Grandpa in the tranquil rural setting at Elma Centre Cemetery, Elma Township, Perth County, near Atwood, Ontario. To email expressions of sympathy: ccl@hffs.com, subject heading: Audrey Blair. HERITAGE FUNERAL SERVICES "Calgary Crematorium Chapel" Telephone: 299-0111.Published in the Calgary Herald on 11/10/2007