Violet Maude Blakney

Violet Maude Blakney, 92, of the Kenneth E. Spencer Memorial Home, passed away peacefully on May 17, 2026, with her loving daughter and her sister by her side. Born in Curryville on April 18, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Aubrey and Jean (Crossman) Smith.

Violet first married Lawrence "Larry" Steeves, and together they built a loving home and raised their two daughters, Karen and Patricia. She took great pride in raising her girls to be strong, independent women. After Larry’s passing, Violet showed remarkable strength and determination as she began a new chapter in her life. She was grateful for the opportunity to work at the Hopewell Rocks, and during that time she earned her GED before going on to attend Oulton’s Business College.

Violet later worked at Braemar Ladies Clothing Store, where her natural sense of style and warm personality truly shone. Always impeccably dressed and beautifully put together, she quickly became known for her charm and eye for fashion, earning recognition as the store’s top saleslady. Customers admired not only her style, but also the confidence and grace she carried wherever she went.

In time, Violet found love and companionship again when she married Edward "Ned" Blakney. Together they shared many happy years filled with comfort, friendship, and caring companionship until Ned’s passing. 

While she worked hard throughout her life, her greatest calling and deepest joy was caring for her family. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, proud grandmother, and cherished great-grandmother. Her family was always at the centre of her life, and nothing made her happier than seeing those she loved gathered around her. 

A woman of deep and unwavering faith, Violet was a devoted Christian whose relationship with God guided her throughout her life. She was a faithful member of Surrey Valley Baptist Church for many years, where she found great comfort, strength, and fellowship within her church family.  Violet loved working with children and was actively involved in the Pioneer Girls and Awana programs. Through those years of service, she touched the lives of many young people in the community, creating lasting memories, sharing kindness and encouragement, and quietly living out the faith that meant so much to her.

The loss of her daughter Patsy at such a young age was one of the hardest sorrows Violet carried, but she found comfort in seeing Patsy’s love and legacy continue through her children and family. Through every joy and heartbreak, Violet remained steady in her faith, grateful for the life she had been given and for the people who surrounded her with love.

She shared an especially close bond with her daughter Karen, and the two spent countless hours together over the years. Whether it was sharing everyday moments, going for drives through the Maritimes, or stopping for a favourite ice cream treat, those simple times together became treasured memories for them both.

Violet believed in keeping busy and active. She loved playing games, especially Skip-Bo, Scrabble, and dominoes, which kept her mind sharp and her competitive spirit alive. She enjoyed needlepoint sewing and lovingly made clothing for her daughters and many children in the community and dolls clothes over the years, including many Barbie outfits that delighted little ones and brought smiles to their faces. She also loved reading, especially her Bible, which remained her constant source of comfort and guidance.

She was a wonderful cook who enjoyed feeding family, friends, and anyone who might need a helping hand. Like so many great mothers and grandmothers, she showed her love in quiet but meaningful ways, through a warm meal, a thoughtful gesture, a listening ear, and simply always being there when someone needed her.

"Though her hands are now at rest, the warmth of her love will remain in the hearts of all who knew her."

She will be deeply missed by her daughter, Karen R. Steeves of Moncton; son-in-law, Geoffrey Steeves of Fredericton; treasured grandchildren, Katelyn (Tyson) and Natalie (Richard); precious great-grandchildren, Grace, Micah and Liam; sister, Mary Hogan of Riverview; as well as by her nieces, nephews, extended family, church family, and many friends.

Besides her parents, Violet was predeceased by her first husband, Laurence "Larry" Steeves; her second husband, Edward "Ned" Blakney; and her daughter, Patricia "Patsy" Steeves; sister Bernadine McLean and brother Leroy Smith.

A special thank you to the staff of the Apple Grove Wing at the Kenneth E. Spencer Memorial Home for the exceptional care, kindness, and support shown to Mum and our family. Your compassion and dedication will never be forgotten. You truly went above and beyond to ensure Mum was always comfortable and well cared for, while also offering comfort and support to her family during a difficult time. We are deeply grateful for the love and dignity you showed her each and every day, it will never be forgotten.

A Memorial Service to celebrate Violet’s life will be held at the Albert County Funeral Home on Saturday, May 23rd, 2026 at 2 pm with Rev. Wayne Johnson officiating. The family will be gathering for further fellowship, sharing of memories, and refreshments following the service. Interment will take place at Green Hill Cemetery, Edgett’s Landing, NB.

For those who wish, donations in Violet’s memory may be made to Green Hill Cemetery or Surrey Valley Baptist Church, and would be appreciated by the family.