Blatchford, Audrey Sarah

Audrey Sarah Blatchford (née Musikov)
March 14, 1943 – February 5, 2025

It is with comfort that Audrey Blatchford’s family announces her passing on February 5, 2025 just shy of 82 years of age.

Audrey spent her life learning the ‘what’ and the ‘why’. She enjoyed reading whatever materials she could find on whatever topic she felt was important to understand. She was a deep thinker and was always searching for answers.

Growing up on a farm in a small Saskatchewan town gave her a certain perspective on hard work. It wasn’t uncommon to see her picking rocks in the fields, mucking the barns or milking cows the old fashioned way – with a stool and bucket. Her years on the farm also gave her a love of animals. She particularly enjoyed working with the horses. Audrey had her own, unique sense of humour that led to the sisters having some lighter moments while they did their chores.

Her farm chores were always taken very seriously and Audrey was a reliable, loyal and hardworking daughter. She was a member of 4-H – which grew her fondness of animals, and she looked forward to working with the program to raise livestock.

As a teenager, Audrey was a contestant in a beauty pageant held by a local business. In fact, she was specifically asked to throw her hat in the ring.

After attending business college in Saskatoon and marrying Wayne Blatchford in 1962, they welcomed their son, Bryan. They moved between Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario with Wayne’s work in the Canadian Air Force. Finally settling in the Ottawa area, Audrey spent many years working in various departments in the Federal Government before retiring in 1995.

Audrey saw the value and beauty of words. She was very well spoken and had a great love and respect for poetry. She penned several poems, and was a published poet herself. Her words held great meaning; she wrote from experience and from the heart. She was also a talented artist, focusing mainly on acrylic and oil paintings. Whatever sparked her creativity, whether it be in writing or on a canvas, Audrey took great care and pride in her works.

Egypt and Russia were two places Audrey felt drawn to visit, and she was lucky to travel to each over the years. She was interested in their history, and wanted to experience them for herself. She made many memories on these trips and returned with great stories.

Audrey held a vast interest in metaphysics and ‘the unknown’. She was well versed and felt it was important to be open to all sides of any conversation. She encouraged others to open their minds and look beyond the present. She continually educated herself on topics that challenged her, had strong opinions and was always interested in hearing the thoughts of others. Audrey was an interesting person with a truly unique perspective.

Audrey will be forever remembered by her son and daughter-in-law, Bryan and Paula (Hailey) Blatchford, sisters; Sharon (Bernie) Grebinski, Darlene (Ron) Blazeiko and Irene (Brian) Andres, and brother; Reynold (Wendy) Musikov.
She was predeceased by her parents; Alexander and Sarah Musikov, husband; Wayne Blatchford and her faithful canine companions; Robbie and Maya.

She will also be remembered by her numerous nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.

Thank you to the staff at Maple Grove for her wonderful care.

In Audrey’s memory, please consider a donation to your local animal shelter.

I Met a Holy Man
by Audrey Blatchford
November 24, 1981
Once while lost in space and time
And freed from land and sea
I met a wandering holy man
Who stopped to speak with me
His countenance was brilliant
He spoke without a word
And showed me many wondrous things
Of me and this old world
As we walked the path of light
Both past and future I could see
Then I began to realize
This wandering holy man was me