Please share your messages and memories of Blanche.
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How could you not Love Aunt Blanche? She brought character, fun, and laughter to everything she touched. At my sister, Cathy’s wedding, she danced in my parents garage with anyone that passed by. During the slow times, she danced with my father’s tool box and told jokes. What’s not to love.
God bless you Aunt Blanche!
Jeff
Hello Sharon & Duncan: Yes, your Mother accomplished so much in her lifetime same
as you are doing now, following in her footsteps. You know I I am here, it goes without saying
to my special friends, Duncan and Sharon.
Love Carole-Anne Mosher
So sorry to hear about Blanche. I hope you’ve managed to spend a little time with her and that she is comfortable at least.
Much love,
Marj
Dear Sharon and Gen and Josh,
We were very sad to hear the Blanche passed away today. We are thinking of you all, those closest to her over the years, and hope that you are finding some solace in these difficult times.
Lots of love and support from Cambridge.
John and Kathryn
I just wanted to send my love and condolences.
Blanche was a strong woman who raised some amazing kids, and I am grateful for the acceptance and kindness she always showed me. And forever impressed by her Tarbish skills!
Sharon, I can only imagine the range of emotions her passing may bring up for you – I hope having Gen with you is a comfort at this time, and we wish we could be there for you both too. We have lit a candle for her and Josh has shared stories of his memories of her, many in Ben Eoin!
I hope she rests peacefully in the company of your loved ones and Ancestors.
Sending so much love, Chanti
Dear Sharon,
Our condolences to you and your family. What a woman! What a life! Thank you for sharing some of your memories. It is clear that her lovely daughter inherited some of her great qualities…fearlessness and a passion for equality and justice. She must have been so very proud of you.
Sending you big hugs and hoping that we will have a chance to connect soon.
Yaz and Terry
Dear Sharon
Emma & I were so sorry to hear of the loss of your mum. What a presence & a force I can see where you get it from.
Union, fashion forward, progressive caring & so charismatic from what I recall of her.
We are sending our love to both you & Duncan & of course Josh Gen Fox & Frankie
All love
N &Em
Ps we have to see one another if only outside from afar when u r in town
Xoxo
Ari and I want to express our condolences for the death of your mom. We read the obituary and she sounded like an amazing woman.
The story “the short one will do” really made me smile. It reminded me of my grandmother.
If you need some extra assistance around the building don’t hesitate to ask.
Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Aislynn Montgomery Smith
Sincere condolences. From the obit it is apparent she was a force of nature and has left you with many fond memories.
Larry Steinberg
This is a wonderful obit. She sounds like a pioneer. And….to wear the first bikini in Antigonish County would have made her the envy of the Hadley girls and their friends in addition to paving the way for them to do the same.
“The short one will do.” – a classic line that only a few could deliver or get away with – perhaps mother’s with large families.
So many accomplishments, none more than you, your siblings, their fine families and their many collective contributions to making our world a better place.
Rest in peace,
David and Nancy
Betsy and family,
Sending my love and most sincerest condolences. May her love and many wonderful memories bring you comfort and strength at this difficult time. We’ll never stop missing our mothers!
Dear Betsy,
Our sincerest sympathy to you and all your family on the loss of such a special member of your family. You have an abundance of memories that will always keep your mom very close in mind and heart.
Thinking of you,
Connie and Keith Jordan
Rick Welton
9 January 2021
Hi Betsy,
From the Whycocomagh Education Centre, our deepest condolences for your loss. Thinking of you.
Jean, Rachel, Beth, John Paul, Sarah and the Chisholm Family. Our deepest condolences. We always loved the stories the kids would tell us about Baba. They always gave us a chuckle. Thinking of you all in this sad time but remember the good times with this special lady to help you through the sadness.
Love Pam and Jim
Chisholm Family,
So sorry for your loss. Blanche was a wonderful lady.
Betsy and family,
It has been a joy to hear stories of lovely, lively Baba and your weekend visits. She has left quite a rich and impressive legacy with her children and grandchildren!
Thinking of you and wishing both comfort and joyful memories.
Eryn, Andrew, Nina and Beth
Sandy, Betsy, Sharon & Chisholm Family,
Deepest condolences on the recent passing of your mother, Blanche. Mrs. Chisholm’s service to others is an inspiration for anyone wanting to make the world a better place.
Sincerely,
Michael & Diane Morrison Lachowiez
Paul, Terry and all the Chisholm Family
My condolences on the loss of your Mom.
Blair Sullivan
Sharon, Betsy and all the family!! Just read about your Mom’s passing.Sending love and prayers at this very sad time!!Marguerite Mac Kinnon
Dear Jean,Sharon,Betsy,Sandy, Joe,Terry and Paul and your families……I have so many memories of us going to and from our homes on Fulton Ave… ” wearing out the yellow line as my dad used to say ,hehehe . There was schoolwork, after school activities, sports, church, YCS meetings/outings, and just spending time together. Your Mom always welcomed us with a snack and a chat about what was going on and how we all were doing. May we all live our lives to the fullest and always remember to dance as Blanche would have wanted. xoxoxo Deb (Lewis) and Bernie Chiasson
My thoughts and prayers are with the Chisholm and Kolanko families at this sad sad time . Baba was a great lady , we just adored her and our times at the cottage and on the water of the Bras Dor lakes . She accomplished so much in her life but she told me thgat her greatest acheivement was marrying the love of her life John and having her beautiful children. She was a wonderful lady annd we will miss her deeply . God bless you Blanche , your work on earth is done . Rest in peace sweet lady .
Please pardon me for the typing errors , this computer is very sensitive .
Dear Joe, Joanne & Family,
Very sorry to read about the loss of your dear Mom. Our sincere sympathy to the family.
John & Mary Elaine Muise
Betsy (Donnie and Family), So sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. She certainly accomplished a great deal in her lifetime and leaves behind a legacy of strong family-oriented individuals. She will surely live on in your memories forever.
Anita & Eddie MacDonald
Betsy and family so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. I am sure you will have many wonderful memories of her and our condolences go out to you at this time. ❤️ Michael and Linda Muise
Dear Betsy and families sending condolences to you all. I to remember her brownies they were delicious! Your wonderful memories will help you during this difficult time. Hugs to all.
Sincerely Lynn and Peter Gouthro
To all Blanche’s children and their families, I send my sincere condolences. I worked with your mom for many years in the X-ray Dept and she was a lady of great knowledge, expertise in our Dept. and always full of fun and laughter. Blanche was always so proud of her family and I remember her saying many times that she was a very rich woman because she was so blessed to have had all of you. I was saddened to see her beautiful obituary today but glad she had a long fun filled retirement. Keep all your memories of your amazing mom close to your heart. Love from Cheryl Joseph Chisholm.
Here is the photo of Sharon Terri and Jeannie
oops! apologies for the double submission
Dear Betsy, my condolences to you and all the Chisholm family.
I am presently triaging my photo collection and came across two photographs of the Chisholm girls from your wedding day in 1976! Such beauties your mother nurtured. (I may have to post photos separately)
Here is the photo of Sharon Terri and Jeannie
These are great photos Isabelle, thanks for sharing! Must’ve been a great day for Baba! Donnie has an Elvis Presley look about him and Sharon looks so much like Franky in this photo.
To the Chisholm family I send my sincerest condolences on the lost of your mother and a great lady.
Marlene Libbus
My sincere sympathy to the Chisholm family. Your mother was ahead of her time, she accomplished much and set a wonderful example for her family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Rest in Peace.
My sincere condolences to Jean,Sharon,Betsy,Sandy, and Joe. I have wonderful memories of my teen years growing up on Fulton Avenue in Westmount and a big part of those memories included the Chisholm clan. So sorry for your loss.
Joe, Betsy, Sandy and the Chisholm & Kolanko Familiies,
We were saddened to read of your mother’s passing. We would like to offer you our sincere condolences on your loss.
Chuck & Pat Drohan
Joe I am sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. She was such a bright light! My condolences to you, Joanne and you family. Hugs.
Sandy..Sorry to hear about your Moms passing. You always spoke and shared stories about her with a smile on your face.Cherish your beautiful memories close to your heart which will keep that smile on your face. Mary Rose and Jerry Murphy 🌹
Betsy, So sorry to read of your mothers passing, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Joe and The Chisholm family. So sorry for the loss of your mom! God Bless!
Thank you to all the people who have been posting comments. Baba will be missed but is in a Happy Place now most likely dancing up a storm.
It’s true Sandy. Very much dancing up a storm! 💃
Joe, Joanne and Family
Sending you condolences on the passing of your mother.
So sorry to learn of Blanches passing. She was probably the chillingest (if that’s a word) of the neighbourhood parents growing up in Westmount North in the 60’s. There was a ton of kids, we all got along, and spent a lot of time on the hall steps across from the Chisholm’s. Condolences to the family. I’m sure you are left with many great memories of a life well lived.
What a beautiful space this is for sharing memories of such a cherished woman.
Sending much love to all Babas friends and family during this sad time xo
I am so sorry to hear about Aunt Blanche passing i have great memories of her I will never forget. My condolences to all the family.
To Blanche’s Children, Grand Children and Great Grandchildren and Family
We are sorry to read of Blanche’s passing, our sincere condolences to her children, grandchildren and great grand children. Blanche always spoke with loving praise for each and every one of her Family.
Our deepest condolences.
Roger and Marilyn Mombourquette
Terry and family,
This is such a beautiful tribute to your Mom! We always enjoyed our visits with her when she was visiting you. Her love of life and her family were contagious! The photos show so much love and pride. A scholarship is such a fitting tribute, as she understood the importance and power of education leading to a happy and satisfying life. Sending lots of hugs your way.
Condolences to all the family, remember your mom and dad when I was much younger growing up in Heatherton,truly a great lady,beautiful obituary,you must have wonderful memories of your mom,strength to all during this time,Raymond and Eileen Haley, ps. Now living in Fraser’s Grant and have never seen the monkey on fence 🐒
Joe so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very sad and difficult time. RIP Blanche
sorry for your loss.
Betsy and Family, so sorry for your loss. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Marie Chisholm-Pearson
I have read the website in its entirety. Sarah did a wonderful job with the site! Blanche would have been so proud of her, as she was with each one of her children and grandchildren! She was a special lady! I hope when there is a gathering for her that we will be able to travel to Canada!
Love and prayers,
Mora and Bruce
Blanche was a real joy to be around when I was a youngster growing up in Sydney. She and John often dropped by Walter & Vivian’s Richmond St. home. I have fond memories of both her & Mary. Lovely ladies – so kind towards me. After Walter passed away Blanche and Mary kept a close watch out for my much older sister. So sorry to learn of Blanche’s death. Deepest sympathy.
Donnie MacLeod – Moncton, NB
Jane,
Mom loved Matthew’s wedding because of the beautiful music that I think was Croatian or Serbian and reminded her so much of the Polish music she loved! It was one of her favourite weddings for sure!
Betsy
I am sorry to hear of her passing! She was a wonderful person, a fabulous mother and I enjoyed her company. The scholarship will keep her love with us!
Thanks Drew! I look forward to chatting with you about her next time I see you.
Our condolences to you all. The scholarship will help keep her memory alive. What a beautiful thing to do.
Sincere condolences to you and all of the family. My mom, Nellie, lived her visits with Blanche and her brothers and sisters when she visited Sydney or in Toronto. She was very proud of Blanche’s accomplishments. The Kolanko’s love to laugh and pull a lot of pranks.
Thank you for the wonderful tribute.
Stay strong and safe.
Love
Patricia (Tish)
Ted and I, along with the rest of our family, have very fond memories of Aunt Blanche. Hugs, prayers and our condolences to you and all the family.
I am sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. She was quite a lady. She always seems to enjoy life. I think the last time I saw her was at my brother Matthew’s wedding.
I hope your family is doing well.
Thinking of you all.
Deepest condolences. It was always a joy to share some time with Blanche whenever I could, like at my cousin Cathy’s wedding in Lewiston, Maine. She was in a grand mood that day enjoying the after party. She was always so full of vim and vigor.
Andy McCarthy
Like many others, I had the honour of being one of Baba’s grandkids. I have so many fond memories of staying at the foothills of Ben Eion. I loved getting to spend time there, not just because of Baba, but because of all my family there. I always remember her saying how important family was and whenever I was there I felt like I was reaping the fruits of her labour. Thank you Baba for giving me your love but also giving me such a beautiful family. You will be missed.
P.S. I also remember Baba’s amazing cooking and baking. Does anyone have any of the recipes mentioned in the (very well written) obituary? (Peanut bread, Baba’s brownies, pampuchy and pączki)
From Betsy!
Baba’s Brownie Recipe for Josh Chisholm
1and 3/4 c. butter or magazine
3/4C. Cocoa
4 eggs
2 c.sugar
Melt arginine and then add cocoa and mix. Next add eggs and sugar. Mix well till you see a sheen.
Mix dry Ingredients in a bowl.
1 and 1/4c. flour
1tsp. b.powder and a pinch of salt.
Bake 25 minutes at 350 degrees till brownies pull away from the sides of the pan. (My children tell me that Baba would drop her pan onto a towel on the floor before putting in the oven to take out the air and make the brownies chewy! (This is her secret so don’t tell anyone.) No need to ice these delicious brownies but if you do use illegal amounts of dark, dark cocoa in the icing !
Excellent, this looks like a great recipe. Thank you Betsy! I’m going to try this out this week.
I believe, Betsy, that you made these brownies for us when you babysat. I definitely remember you making fudge too. Jeannie, Betsy, and Sharon all babysat the Tanner kids at one point or another. What a wonderful family!
I’m so sorry, Terry. Glad to hear she was more comfortable the last few days. I’m sending you and your family a big hug and lots of love.
Sending you a big virtual hug 🤗 Terry! Deepest sympathies to you and the entire family on the passing of your dear mom. She was clearly a special lady and I feel you inherited many of her fabulous genes. Take good care and connect soon ❤️
Oh Terry ,I am sorry . I’m so glad you could be with her. She was so lucky to have you . Lots of love from us all xx
I enjoyed reading about your mum and seeing the photos. It’s wonderful that you had so many family times and fun together. xx
Beautiful picture of your mom. I love the family scholarship. What a wonderful way to honour your mother.
I’m remembering her as a kind, spunky woman who loved her children and grandchildren!!
My thoughts are with you and your huge, loving family.
Love!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Dear Jean, Sharon, Betsy, Sandy, Joe Terry and Paul
Our sympathies to you and all your family! Your mother was quite a lady!
She had to be so strong, and was. What a wonderful job she did with her children! You all are so successful!
Our prayers for all of you.
Ron and I are sending our condolences to you and your family.
Blanche had wonderful Leadership qualities. I remember Toney Kolanko’s wedding in Montreal was suddenly disrupted including a power outage by a sudden summer storm. Before you could count to 10, Blanche took over and had us all straightened out
So sad to hear this news. She was a wonderful woman. Sincere condolences from Renata, Bob, Lukasz and Maja Kolanko
Beautiful❤️. I loved hearing stories that Nanny would tell me about her family. It was something I will always remember ❤️
Sending sincere condolences to your family during this difficult time. We will always remember Aunt Blanche for her zest for life; kindness and love she showed all of us. Love Sam, Sheila , Casey and Keigan…xo
She was an amazing lady, I will always remember her as being the “funny one,” she lit the room up with her vivacious spirit. She will forever be loved and fondly remembered.
She was a great Lady … rest in Peace
Sad day indeed. May your memories comfort you today and in the days to come 💔
So sorry to hear of your loss. Our condolences to your family Terry
❤️ Sending love, and sympathy from myself, Marty and Kathy Kolanko in Sydney.
I remember every time I was around your mother fondly. She was so full of life- she was inspiring.
Blanche was truly a fun loving, fun sharing, fun instilling person. Her spark and delight will always be remembered.
We loved Aunt Blanche, her love of family will live forever in our memory. She was a great lady, may she Rest In Peace♥️
Sarah,
I’m so sorry to hear about your grandmother. My condolences go out to you and your family. The photo that you posted of yourself and your grandmother is a beautiful one.
All my love, Wendy
Baba was a gem and a true force of nature. We will miss her energy and her charm. I have fond memories of her dolling up us grandkids in make up and dresses and taking us to many flea markets in search of bargains. Even if she had her own troubles, she never let them get in the way of showing us a good time! And she supported us always, and made sure she knew how proud she was of all of us. She will be deeply missed but her spirit lives on in the many people she left behind.
“Charge!!”
Baba loved to dance. When she would hear the music her body would just start to move automatically whether she wanted to or not. Baba is so happy in this photo to be dancing with her brothers, Walter or Vedic, Joe who with his wife Cam entered many polka dancing contests across Canada and her sister Mary, Mariska who was also her closest friend