LILA BLANCHE PURVIS
(Honess)
Lila Blanche (Honess) Purvis passed away peacefully on June 20, 2024, in her 89th year. Beloved wife of Blair Purvis (predeceased 2016. Blanche is survived by her children Mary-Louise (Walter Bennett), Bruce and Susan (Scott Strain); grandchildren Jenna (Luca Ciliberti), Jillian (Bradley Rintala), Brandon (Christine), Devan (Sarah), Mitchell (Danielle), Meghan (Val); and great-grandchildren Taylor, Cienna, Aliisa, Sebastian, Brady Mae and Matti. Dear daughter of Llewellyn and Lila (née Lewis) Honess (both predeceased). Dear sister of Jean McKay (Raymond predeceased), Helen McColeman (Dalton predeceased), and predeceased by Calvin (Margaret Baker), Ken (Bessie Douglas), Jessie (Floyd Bell), Mary (Willis Bond) and Fred Arneil (Stephanie). Dear sister-in-law of Paul (Betty-Lou) Purvis. Sadly missed by many nieces, nephews and cousins. She met Blair Purvis in Gore Bay at a dance. Blair headed out sailing the following day but once his sailing season ended his first thing was to get his girl back. They married on June 21, 1956 in the United Church in Gore Bay. They built a home in Naughton in 1959 and raised their family. Blanche’s biggest accomplishment was her husband and children and being the best stay-at-home mom and she did it well. Years later the grandchildren came along and her job became helping everyone and cooking everyone’s favourites. Blanche loved her cards, dancing, game shows, ball games and curling, but cards topped all. She believed, “if you don’t play cards or dance, it’s not much of a life”. Her best friends were her sisters. She was always talking to one of them and loading the car to head to the Island to visit with their mother. Blanche and Blair did a lot of travelling, just the two of them driving along and listening to music. In 2017 she sold her home, moved to an apartment and then to Manitoulin Lodge where she was treated so well. Many of the girls became her extended family. She was hugged and loved by them and she would just look up and beam at them. Special thank you to the Manitoulin Lodge family and Dr. Chantelle Wilson for the best care. She often said and we appreciate it, “I’ve had a good life”. As per her wishes, there will be no funeral visitation or service. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Manitoulin Lodge would be greatly appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to the Lougheed Funeral Home, www.lougheedfuneralhomes.com.
