Blais, Emila
Posted Apr 28, 2021 | 4:45 PM
Emila Blais, resident of Grande Prairie, AB, passed away on Monday, April 26, 2021, at the Grande Prairie Care Centre, at the age of 91 years.
Emila was born in Lamont, AB, on June 1, 1929, to Walter and Aniela Konevecki, who had emmigrated from Poland. Soon after, the Konevecki family moved to Webster, AB, and later to Dimsdale, AB, where they purchased their own farm. They had three more children: Joseph, Elizabeth and Dorothy, to complete the family.
Emila excelled at school, attended St. Joseph’s High School, graduated and followed with a Secretarial Certificate. During high school, she knew of Eugene ‘Oscar’ Blais from a distance, and later through activities at the Catholic Youth Group, they became sweethearts and married in 1952. Emila worked as a legal secretary for 8 years, before being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Emila faced her diagnosis with grace and determination, never letting it stop her from raising her family, participating in church and community activities, and supporting Oscar’s business and local political pursuits. Emila and Oscar remained in Grande Prairie, raising three children, Ron, Carol and Mark.
Emila and Oscar were very active and devoted members of St. Joseph’s Church, Emila serving as President of the CWL, and Oscar as the Grande Knight of the Knights of Columbus early on and remaining very active parishioners over the years. They shared their faith and made many friends with involvement in Marriage Encounter and Cursillo. Emila’s faith brought her much peace and comfort over the years.
Emila will be lovingly remembered by her sons Mark (Lily) and Ron (Bonnie); grandson Jamie and Christian; granddaughter Marquette (Kelly);great-granddaughters Katelyn and Brianne, Taya, Aurora, Jenavieve, and Kayelyn’s and Brianne’s mother Jeanette; sister in-law Mary; brothers in-law Terry and Roy; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.
Emila was predeceased by her father Walter, mother Aniela, husband Oscar, daughter Carol, and siblings Joe, Liz and Dorothy.
Due to Covid restrictions, a private invitation-only funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 4, 2021, at 1:00 pm.
A livestream will be available on Emila’s obituary page on the Oliver’s Funeral Home website prior to the service. Interment will follow at the Grande Prairie Cemetery (84th Ave. and 112th St.).
Emila spent the last number of years at the Grande Prairie Care Centre and the family is very grateful for their loving care. Emila was particularly fond of the recreation programs. Therefore, we ask in lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Grande Prairie Care Centre -Recreation Fund (9705 94 Ave., Grande Prairie, AB, T8V 3A2), or to Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada – AB and NWT Division (150, 9405 50 St., Edmonton, AB, T6B 2T4).
Condolences may be sent by visiting
- Date : 2021-04-26
- Location : Grande Prairie, Alberta