Mrs. Mary Helen Ann Blair (née MacLean) entered eternal rest on 26 June 2026 at the age of 85. Strengthened by her deep Catholic faith and the love of her family, Helen passed peacefully at Saint Boniface General Hospital following a courageous battle with chronic pain and cancer.

Born on 8 September 1940 in Kenton, Glengarry County, Ontario, to John Donald and Isabelle MacLean, Helen was raised on the family farm. She learned the values of faith, hard work, perseverance, and service from an early age. Life on the farm was simple and demanding and those early experiences shaped the quiet resilience, humility, and determination that defined her throughout her life.

On 22 June 1963, Helen married the love of her life, John "Jack" Colin Peter Blair. Together they shared 63 wonderful years of marriage marked by unwavering love, devotion, military postings, travel, and countless cherished memories. Helen embraced the opportunities and challenges that came with Canadian Armed Forces life, creating a warm and welcoming home wherever Jack's service took the family. Through every move, she provided the stability and love that allowed her family to flourish. As Jack's military career concluded, they made Winnipeg their permanent home. There, Helen worked for Cargill, where she was respected for her dedication, reliability, and strong work ethic. 

Helen's greatest vocation was that of wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is lovingly remembered by her devoted husband, Jack; her sons, Colin (Maureen) and Stephen (Sherrie); fourteen cherished grandchildren; and one beloved great-granddaughter. She is also survived by her sisters, Christine, Betty (Larry), and Hughena (Bernard), and by her brother, Jackie (Patricia). She was predeceased by her parents, her brother Donald (Marilyn), and her brother-in-law Bertrand.

Helen's Catholic faith was the foundation of her life. She found strength in prayer, the sacraments, and an unwavering trust in God's providence. Her family was her greatest joy, and she was fiercely proud of her sons, their wives, her grandchildren, and her great-granddaughter. Those who knew Helen will remember her quiet strength, steadfast perseverance, generous heart, and enduring love for those entrusted to her care.

Visitation will be held at Saint John Brébeuf Roman Catholic Church on Tuesday, 14 July 2026, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and again on Wednesday, 15 July 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, 15 July 2026, at 11:00 a.m., followed by a reception and light luncheon in the parish hall. Interment will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Fort Garry Roman Catholic Cemetery.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the physicians, nurses, and staff of the Intensive Care Medical Surgery Unit at Saint Boniface General Hospital for the compassionate, professional, and devoted care they provided to Helen and for the kindness shown to her family throughout her final days.

Though our hearts mourn her passing, we give thanks for a life beautifully lived in faith, love, and service to her family. We take comfort in the promise of the Resurrection and trust that Helen has been welcomed into the loving embrace of her Lord, reunited with those who have gone before her.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace.