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In Memoriam: Matushka Susan Blomquist

November 7, 2018

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing away of Susan Jane Blomquist, who left us peacefully on the morning of November 7th with family and friends in attendance. Susan is survived by her three children, Stacy (Robbie), Christopher (Marie) and Michael (Shannon) and her grandchildren Jeffrey, Ashley, Taylor and Jordan.

Born in 1943 to Edward and Elizabeth Jane La Fortune, she married Robert James Blomquist in 1966. In the late 1960s, both James and Susan found their home in the Orthodox Church, soon after which they attended St. Vladimir’s Theological Orthodox Seminary in Crestwood NY.

Fr. James was ordained to the Holy Priesthood in 1971, and together with Matushka (little mother) Susan, they were assigned to several parishes throughout the American Midwest (Lublin WI - Holy Assumption - which was dear to her heart, Buffalo NY, Detroit MI, and London ON). In 1979, Fr. James and Matushka Susan were transferred to the Antiochian Archdiocese and they founded St. Mary the Virgin Orthodox Parish in Winnipeg (Western Rite). It was here that Fr. James and Matushka Susan opened the door to unity in the Orthodox Church for many who were very distressed by changes in  Anglican church theology; including the now Archpriest Robert Stephen (retired) and Matushka Dianne Kennaugh and their family, and a core group that would later go on to serve at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Narol MB. Matushka Susan was preceded her husband in 2002.

Susan worked in a variety of fields in her life, but she spent most of her time working in the insurance industry where she both had a fruitful career and built many lifelong friendships. Susan maintained an active social life.  She volunteered her time with both her church and many other agencies such as Doors Open Winnipeg, while still managing to make time for both friends and family. A voracious reader and card player, Susan had many positive passions but perhaps none were so acute as her love of food, learning new recipes, and helping others in the kitchen.

Her life as a wife, mother, and Matushka,  manifested the generosity of Christ towards humanity. She was ever dedicated (even to the day before her repose)  to seniors and shut ins: visiting them, driving them to Church doctor's appointments, or driving them to visit family in nursing homes. She provided flowers and food for parish feasts (especially those dedicated to the Mother of God) and those who were hungry, all the while giving what little energy, or funds she had. 

“Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me….Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me” (Mt. 25:34-36. 40).

May her memory be eternal!

Prayers will be said on Thursday, November 15 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, 5635 Henderson Hwy. The Funeral Service will be held on Friday, November 16 at 10:00 a.m. also at the church.