1936 ~ 2020
It is with profound sorrow that we announce the unexpected passing of Jane Stewart Petkau nee Blair on July 12, 2020. Jane is lovingly remembered by her children David, Marilyn (Art), Heather (Colin) and Brian; her grandchildren Kelsey, Dane (Katie), Stephanie (Trevor), and Michelle; and by her great grandchildren Avery and Caleb. Her memory will be cherished by her sisters Ruth (Chuck) Margaux (Michael), by her brother David (Beverley), her sister-in-law Helen, and brother-in-law Ed. She was predeceased by Abe, her loving husband of 51 years, in 2011. She was also predeceased by her sisters-in-law Agnes, Mary, Marianne and her brothers-in-law Jake, Howard, Henry, and Roy.
Jane was born in Denbigh, Wales on January 22, 1936. She graduated from Roedean, a boarding school in Brighton, England, with A Levels in Theoretical Mathematics. Although Jane was registered for nursing school in England, she decided at the last minute to join her family who were immigrating to Canada in 1954. The family settled in Winnipeg, Manitoba where Jane completed her nursing training at the Winnipeg General Hospital. While in training, she was courted by a handsome young intern. They were married May 19, 1959 and welcomed their first three children in quick succession while moving from Winnipeg to New Haven, Connecticut to Deep River, Ontario to Pinawa, Manitoba where they welcomed their fourth child. Jane and Abe were some of the earliest residents of the new community of Pinawa. Jane lived there from 1963 to the time of her passing.
Jane was a voracious reader who read by candlelight into the wee hours of the morning. She relished solving puzzles and after finishing the New York Times Crossword would remark that she had staved off Alzheimer’s for another week. She delighted in travelling to many countries with her family and friends and was always up for an adventure such as riding a camel in the Middle East. Bi-annual “Sibling Revelry” get togethers were highlights in her life. Jane also enjoyed classical music and the piano. While Jane sought to pass her appreciation of music on to a new generation, her high standards as a piano teacher meant students had to work hard to excel. If you got a sticker from Mrs. Petkau, you had done very well and could be proud of your accomplishment.
Jane was a lifelong student of the Bible and its teachings. She earned a graduate certificate in Biblical Counselling from the Winnipeg Theological Seminary. She went on to set up a private counselling practice and provided pastoral care in the local hospital and community. She believed in the power of prayer and prayed daily for her family and for many other people who were experiencing difficulties.
Jane cherished her family, her home, and her community. She cared deeply for us– encouraging and supporting us in every way that she could. While we mourn her passing, we take comfort in knowing that she is with her Heavenly Father.
“There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpassed them all”—Proverbs 31: 29.
Due to Covid-19, a private memorial service will be held. In lieu of flowers, in remembrance of Jane, you are encouraged to perform a simple act of kindness in your home community.
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ron and barbara mcdowall
well done good and faithful servant………..to all the family we extend our deepest sympathy and blessings.
it was a joy to follow her in bible study and to have her as a friend and mentor too. she will be greatly missed ..with warmest regards ron and barbara mcdowall
Bonnie Bailey
My sincere sympathy to the Family of Jane Petkau for the sudden loss of their Mother, Grandmother and Great-grandmother. She was so respected and will certainly be missed in Pinawa where she lived for 57 years. Bonnie Bailey
Dorothy Cafferty
God Bless you Jane I will remember the chats we had when I met you at the store they was always uplifting thank you Rest Well My Thoughts to you and Your Family Dotothy and Family
Dorothy.Cafferty
God Bless you Jane I really liked our
chats when I saw you at the store they was always uplifting Thank You So Much My Rest Well Thoughts are with you and Your Family Dorothy and Family
Gwen Greenstock
I was so sad to learn of your mom’s unexpected passing. As it turned out, she passed away the same day as my husband Clive, whom I am sure you all remember. I absolutely loved your mom and she was so good to me when we first moved to Pinawa in 1970. Clive was working with your dad and your mom sure took me under her wing. In turn, I took her under mine and persuaded her to become a piano teacher, along with me and others. I know I taught Marilyn piano but I don’t think I taught Heather. When we returned to Pinawa for the 50th anniversary in 2013, the highlight of our weekend was spending a few hours visiting with your mom in her screened in back porch. Both of your parents died suddenly and unexpectedly. Poor Clive had been suffering the effects of five hemorrhagic strokes for six years, I am thankful he is out of pain and at peace. I am sure there is lots of reminiscing going on in Heaven. Hang onto wonderful memories of you lovely mom. I had forgotten that she had been born in Wales and went to school in England, as did Clive.
Laurie MacLean
My deepest condolences to Jane’s family. She was a lovely lady with a beautiful soul. She will be sorely missed.
Laurie MacLean
Mary Jane Meeker
My sincerest condolences to the Petkau family on the passing of your mother. Although we only lived in Pinawa for 10 years, Jane made a lasting impression all those around her. The community will surely miss her wise and compassionate ways.
Jennifer James McGinn
It seems very strange that we can’t come and show our support for you all, and our love and respect for Mrs. Petkau in a public gathering. There we would have sung beautiful hymns as she liked to do, and we would have heard deep and healing scripture passages, of which were the bread of life for Mrs. Petkau. Living in Pinawa again, I noticed that Jane’s voice was becoming softer and softer with age and experience. And so I will remember the way she said my name lately when she greeted me on Sundays – softly and in the British way with the final r pronounced and h – “Jennif aaah “. And so Mrs. Petkau has entered the land of the living. Rest and rejoice Mrs. Petkau. Blessings on you her family as you remember and say goodbye together. With love, Jennifer James McGinn and husband Garth.
Elayna LaBar
My sincerest condolences to Jane’s family and friends. A remarkable, kind and very gracious woman. She will be greatly missed.
Val and Jack Frederick
Jane was a great lady to have as a caring friend. Her motto in life was care and concern for others, and she walked the walk. A privilege to know.
A kind and gracious lady that will be greatly missed. Our prayers to David, Marilyn, Heather and Brian and their families.
Murray Leckie
My deepest sympathies to the family. She was an amazing and strong lady – I feel very blessed to have known her growing up and feel she was such a positive influence to all those that were fortunate to know her.
Neil and Carol Anderson
Dear David, Marilyn,Heather and Brian, We are shocked and deeply saddened by the passing of your beloved mother. We weep with you and for you. Although there is comfort in Knowing she is at home with Jesus, there is incredible pain and sadness this side of heaven. We pray for comfort that surpasses understanding as you continue life without your mother’s physical presence. Sending lots of love and prayers .
Neil, Carol and family
June Roberts
“The woman who fears the Lord , she shall be praised “ Proverbs 31 . That is so true of Jane . She was a shining example of a God fearing woman . She is certainly missed by loved ones and friends . Her passing is a great loss to family, friends and the town of Pinawa .
Helena Trueman
We express our deepest sympathy to the Petkau family for the loss of your mother, Jane.
It is hard to let go of people that we love and Jane was one of them in my life. Jane was a dear friend of mine. She always told me how blessed she was to have me and that she appreciated me. I am the one that was blessed to have known her in my life. I will miss seeing her every Tuesday as we had many quality discussions. She was my mentor, friend as well as a compassionate caring women.
I will miss you Jane, good bye. Until we meet again.
Helena & John Trueman
Connie Plunkett
My deepest condolences to David, Heather, Marilyn and Brian. Your Mom was an amazing woman who had a peace that filled her with immense kindness, compassion and a gentle touch for absolutely everyone that crossed her path. I so treasured your Moms friendship.
BARBARA SABANSKI
Dear Petkau Family:
Jane lead a Holy life. She truly lived her faith and always offered everyone a ‘cup of cold water’.
With respect
Barbara and Carl Sabanski
Danny Archambault
My deepest sympathy to the family of Jane, my thoughts and prayers are for you, as you go through the loss of a wonderful mother and grandmother.
She was a great friend and confident to my late wife Tara and myself. She was a great woman of faith, a wonderful follower of Jesus Christ, and a strong leader for many. My life was truly blessed by knowing her as a friend, thank you Lord.
Dan Archambault
Ray and Carol Wazney
Our thoughts and prayers and deepest sympathy are with all the family. Jane was a very caring and compassionate person, and we feel very blessed having known her. She especially touched our lives as a mentor and role model in her dedication to the Pastoral Care Team at the Pinawa Hospital. We will always treasure special memories of her.
Ann Oravec
Dear David ,Marilyn, Heather and Brian. My heartfelt sympathy in the loss of your beloved mother. Kind words may not ease your pain or sorrow at her unexpected passing, but take comfort that her faith and deep love of God has been rewarded. She was a very special lady-warm, gentle and kind and always concerned about others. I first met her as a neighbour many years ago and then she became a special friend. Her greeting was always a warm smile and her “how are you” so sincere.
You have my prayers and you are in my thoughts.
Nila
We love you Jane. You will forever be one of the brightest lights in our lives. We will cherish our memories with you and continue to live in your light. May you rest in peace, in Heaven.
Sam & Prashanti Mulpuru
Sunita Mulpuru & family
Nila Mulpuru & family
Cheryle Ellila
My thoughts and prayers have been with you, David, Marilyn, Heather and Brian, in this time of loss. I will greatly miss Jane’s friendship by way of her prayers, encouragement, wise counsel, hospitality, love and care, and just sharing our lives together. Proverbs 31:10-31 describes your mom, especially verses 26 & 30b. “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” “….a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised”. One day we will meet again in the presence of the ONE we love – our Saviour, JESUS.
Carolyn Fung (Oravec)
My heartfelt sympathy to you in this time of great loss. I first met Jane when I was only about 6 years old as one of her piano students. I feel very fortunate to have had such a positive, kind, encouraging teacher early on. She helped nurture my love of piano to last for a lifetime. It’s true that I had to work hard to earn a sticker from her! And I loved it. I am so grateful I had the opportunity to see her again and chat with her just months ago at my father’s funeral. I hadn’t seen her in decades but instantly recognized her as she approached me. She had that same beautiful, powerful, loving presence about her that I remembered. It came straight from her heart and shone out through her smile, her eyes, and her kindness and sincerity. And I realized in that instant what I loved most about her even back when I was her piano student. It wasn’t the stickers. It was being in the presence of a person with such a beautiful spirit.
Paul Paetkau
I am sorry for your loss of your mother and grandmother. Unfortunately, I never met your mother and only met your father, my first cousin, briefly at a nuclear energy meeting. My father was Abram J. Paetkau, brother of Aganeta Paetkau (Petkau), your grandmother and the uncle for whom your father was named. I am telling you this because at the age of 82, I am finally starting to get interested in our shared family tree and this is the only way I know how to get in contact with your family. Please contact me.
Sorry if you feel this is an invasion in your time of grief.