L. Marie Woodman Blakney, R.N.

Marie Blakney passed away peacefully at Bethany House at age 89.

Marie was born on June 17, 1928 in Falmouth, Nova Scotia to Charles and Harriet Woodman. Marie earned her R.N. at Halifax Infirmary, Nova Scotia. She married W.G.G. Blakney in 1951 in Falmouth, Nova Scotia and moved to Ottawa, Ontario. They immigrated to Auburn, Alabama in 1958 and raised their two daughters.

Happiness for Marie has been serving community needs. She was a devoted member of Auburn First Presbyterian Church (FPC) where she sang in the church choir, served several terms as a deacon, and served many years as a charter member and a long-time board member of Presbyterian Community Ministries (PCM). She was the parish nurse, a longtime member of the Presbyterian Woman circle and was active in establishing the Headstart program and the Child Development Center. Marie also served as a volunteer and board member for Habitat for Humanity for many years.

Marie was hired as the Auburn City School Nurse in 1970 and retired in the late 80’s. Marie and Joy Peak helped establish the Auburn Dental Clinic which is still operational at Drake Middle school. In her capacity as school nurse she served as an advocate and resource for Project Uplift, The Alabama Health Department, Lee County Children’s camp, Alabama Battered Women, Child Care Resource Center, Eyes for the Needy, Lee Russell Council of Government and Lee S.C.A.N.

Of her 140 charities, her favorite charities included First Presbyterian Church, Presbyterian Community Ministries, Habitat for Humanity, The Carter Center, Southern Poverty Law Center, Auburn University and Public Citizen.

She is survived by her adoring husband of 66 years, William G.G. Blakney; her loving daughters, Dawn Blakney Pierce (Roger) and Carollyne Blakney; and 6 grandchildren: Troy Blakney Pierce (Gee), Travis Brandon Pierce (Anna Kathryn), Jamie Austin Pierce, Haley Pierce Clark (Jon), Taylor Christianson Pierce, and Aleyia Jasmine Pierce, Sanny Blakney, Brian Blakney, 5 great-grandchildren and various nieces and nephews residing in Canada.

When not busy with family, church or social organizations she enjoyed traveling with her family. She visited all 50 states and provinces, all but 5 European nations, and all continents except for Antarctica. She also traveled around the world, exploring the northern side.

A celebration of life will be held at Auburn First Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, March 6th at 1:00 pm with visitation immediately following in Conway Hall which is located downstairs in the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Presbyterian Community Ministries and/or Habitat for Humanity.

 Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home is directing.

www.jeffcoattrant.com