VERA JEAN PYBUS (BLACKWELL)

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VERA JEAN PYBUS (nee BLACKWELL) On Wednesday, January 8, 2014 Vera Pybus died at Tuxedo Villa Personal Care Home in Winnipeg, Manitoba at the age of 94 years. On January 20, 1919 Vera was born in Killarney, Manitoba. After graduating from Killarney High School she moved to Winnipeg where she completed a business course. Vera then moved to Montreal, Quebec where she lived for five years. In 1947 she returned to Winnipeg where she married Clare W. Pybus and started a family. When Vera's children were young, she began her university studies at United College and later received her Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from the University of Winnipeg in 1971 and her Master of Arts from the University of Manitoba in 1985. Vera's special historical interest was in the local history of southwestern Manitoba and in genealogy. She assisted in writing books about the history of Holmfield, Killarney and Cartwright. As well, she published books chronicling the family histories of both the Blackwell and the Pybus families. Being fond of travelling Vera visited many countries. She especially enjoyed her trips to Costa Rica, Cuba, China and Russia. Photography was also another of Vera's passions. She loved studying the Spanish language which enhanced the enjoyment of her many trips to Spain to visit her grandchildren. Over the years Vera developed a keen interest in gardening and derived much joy from her flowers and gazebo in her garden. Vera was a long time member of St. Andrews River Heights United Church, the University Women's Club and the Manitoba Historical Society. In later years she enjoyed taking seniors' courses at the University of Winnipeg and at Creative Retirement. Vera is survived by her daughter Barbara Einarson; former son-in-law Grant Einarson; granddaughter Jillian; son David of Barcelona Spain, his wife Montse and stepson Sergi (his daughter Maia); grandsons Miquel (Maria), Biel, and Marc (Maria); great'grandson Albert; brother Sam Blackwell (Ethel) of Killarney, Manitoba; as well as several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Clare in 1994, and sister Nora in December, 2013. A Celebration of Vera's Life will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at the University Women's Club, 54 Westgate, Winnipeg, MB. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, a donation to a charity of choice would be appreciated. Wojcik's Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 2157 Portage Avenue, 204-897-4665, is in care of arrangements. wojciksfuneralchapel.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 25, 2014