Obituary of Gretchen Eileen Blakeney

of Gretchen Eileen (Mahoney) Blakeney Passed away Saturday, November 1, 2008, at the Dartmouth General Hospital, surrounded by her loving husband and family. Gretchen was the only daughter of the late Capt. John D. Mahoney and Vivian E. Mahoney (Huey), born September 22, 1915 in Mt. Pleasant, and sister of the late Tom, Capt. John E. and Eric Mahoney. After graduation from Normal College in 1935, Gretchen’s early teaching career was in several one-room schoolhouses in Lunenburg County until 1941, when she choose banking as her next pursuit. Her profession was adjourned when she married her best friend and soulmate, Corp. Nelson St. Clair (Jack) Blakeney, on July 14, 1943 and followed her new husband to St. Thomas, during WWII. After Jack’s obligation as an aero-engine instructor was complete, the returned to their beloved Lunenburg County, where she continued her banking career. In 1958 Jack and Gretchen moved to Dartmouth, where she taught in the Dartmouth school system. Gretchen’s determination and passion for teaching was instrumental in her success in obtaining a B.A. from St. Mary’s University (1971), while teaching full time and caring for her family. When the time came to retire in 1977, Gretchen left her last position as Vice Principal of Crichton Park School, and she and Jack embarked on their hobbies of gardening, house remodeling, hunting for antiques, travelling and watching their precious twin grandsons grow. Gretchen never tired of promoting the benefits of furthering one’s education, hard work and saving. She was a hard worker till the end! Gretchen is survived by her adoring husband of 65 years, Jack, Dartmouth; son Andrew (Carolyn), Fletcher’s Lake; grandsons, Chris and Kyle, Dartmouth; sister-in-law, Louise Cleversey Mahoney, ON; several nephews and nieces in BC and ON. Cremation has taken place and a grave-side service will be held Thursday, November 6, at 2pm at the Brookside Cemetery, under the direction of Sweeny’s Funeral Home, Bridgewater, NS. No flowers by request. The family would like to extend their heart-felt thanks to the many neighbors and friends who have assisted Jack during the past several months; their support, food and attention can not be overstated. Sincere thanks to Dr. Martin MacLellan and all the staff of the 3rd floor of DGH; their compassion and understanding made Gretchen’s days warm and comfortable. Donations in honor of Gretchen’s life may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of NS. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.sweenysfuneralhome.com