Obituary of Blenda Joy Ramsay

Please click here to view the livestream of the memorial service

Our world is a little smaller with the passing of our mom, nanna and great-nanna. Blenda passed peacefully at Regina General Hospital on Thursday, May 7, 2020, where she was able to be with her family virtually and physically at the time of her passing. 

Blenda was predeceased by her beloved husband of 57 years, Fred Ramsay; her parents Amanda and Peter Pearson; and her brother Jimmy Pearson. She leaves to celebrate her life, her three children Sheree (Dave) Richardson, Pam Uhl and Rob (Corrie) Ramsay; six grandchildren Sharla (Kevin) Blackett, Dustin (Aaron) Richardson, Jennifer (Dana) Richardson, Karly (Corbin) Bruce, Ava and Maisa Ramsay; as well as seven great-grandchildren Devstin, Audi-Rae, Kenley-Grace, Aralyn, and Liam Richardson, and Ramsay and Willa Blackett. Blenda is survived by her siblings Anita (Andy) Strilchuk, Sandra Sawatsky (late Henry), and Barry (Sandra) Pearson. She will also be deeply missed by her nieces, nephews, extended family and many special friends.

Born on October 11, 1935, and raised on a farm near Melville, Saskatchewan, Blenda was the eldest of five children. She and her siblings attended a one room school house aptly named “Success School” until the age of 16, when she was stricken by Polio. Blenda was hospitalized and quarantined for six months during her rehabilitation before returning home to find a new wheelchair which had been purchased by the Community. Through perseverance and determination, Blenda completed high school via correspondence and participated in Sunday school by mail. In the last few years of her life, when Blenda was again physically limited by Post-Polio, she became adept with social media and used it to stay in touch with family and friends. 

Blenda never complained or let her challenges deter her from her goals. She worked tirelessly rehabilitating and eventually sold her wheelchair and with the proceeds from the chair she purchased a typewriter and soon found employment as a switchboard operator at the Times-Herald Newspaper office in Moose Jaw where she met Fred, a writer. It was with much fondness and humour that Blenda teased that Fred was initially attracted to her because of her typewriter. They married in 1957 and resided in Red Deer, AB for two years prior to moving to Regina, where they raised their family. 

Blenda was a strong advocate for the disabled in her community. She was a productive member of an Access Committee for the City of Regina and volunteered many years with a Polio Support Group. Blenda helped to raise funds for the completion of an elevator and other features that made her church accessible. Her ongoing work for the disabled was honoured when she received an invitation to meet Princess Anne at a March of Dimes celebration.

In addition to raising a young family, Blenda wrote her own Cookbook and was an avid gardener spending many hours in her greenhouse that Fred built. Blenda’s middle name was “Joy,” which was something that she brought to all within her circle. Her infectious laugh and light heartedness brought “joy” to many. When her children were older Blenda commenced employment and eventually worked as a secretary at Christ Lutheran Church, where she stayed until her retirement in 1999. She was guided by a strong belief in God and her spiritual beliefs were evident in how she lived her life as an honest, loving and caring person. 

Blenda and Fred travelled Canada from coast to coast. But, the greatest pleasure was when she was with friends and family attending weddings, funerals or family reunions. Blenda was known and appreciated for hosting numerous celebrations and family gatherings in their back yard or around the dining room table. We will miss you Nanna Banana and the Roughriders, Blue Jays and Curlers have lost one of their biggest fans. The family is very grateful to Blenda’s wonderful caregivers at Harbour Landing Village.

A Celebration of life will be held virtually through Christ Lutheran Church on Wednesday, May 20, 2020 at 1:30 p.m. To join us in Celebrating Blenda’s Life via a live online memorial service, please click on the link above.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Christ Lutheran Church, 4825 Dewdney Avenue, Regina, SK S4T 1B7, or Polio Regina Inc. 825 McDonald Street, Regina, SK S4N 2X5.