Helen F. Blanchard

Hyannis – Helen F. Blanchard, 93, of Hyannis, MA passed away peacefully with family at her side at the Cape Regency in Centerville, MA on Friday, August 24, 2018. She was the wife of the late Vernon S. Blanchard (2011) to whom she was married for 64 years.

Helen was a “farm girl” who was raised in Lakeville, MA on the poultry farm owned by her parents, Leslie and Julia Norton. In addition to her parents she was predeceased by her three brothers … Charles, Winthrop and Merrill Norton. She married the love of her life, Vernon Blanchard in 1947 and from 1950 to 1964 lived in Whitman, MA where much of the Blanchard family lived. In 1964 the family moved to Hyannis so that her husband could take a job as the manager of the A&P supermarket in Harwich Port.

She worked as a secretary/bookkeeper for several local businesses but her greatest joy was being a homemaker and mother to her three sons. She was active in the Federated Church of Hyannis and had a green thumb when it came to raising African violets. She was a great cook and enjoyed baking and caring for her family. She also enjoyed the company of her little Maltese dog, Julie, who provided her with love and affection during the difficult years following the passing of her husband, Vernon. Just like Helen, her dog is a loving, gentle soul who loves to be with people.

For the last three years she resided at the Cape Regency Rehabilitation & Health Care Center, in Centerville, MA. The family would like to express its appreciation to all the caring people at the Cape Regency and with Hospice Services of Massachusetts who helped her and made her comfortable during that time.

She leaves behind the following to celebrate her life: three sons … Paul Blanchard and wife Kathleen of Ashland, MA; Barry Blanchard of Hyannis who was her primary caregiver since the passing of her husband Vernon; Douglas Blanchard and his wife Karen of Sykesville, MD; three grandchildren … Dr. Gary Blanchard and his wife Dr. Brandi Hoag-Blanchard of South Grafton, MA; Krista Brother of Framingham, MA; Christopher Blanchard and his wife Andrea of Reisterstown, MD; four great grandchildren … Olivia, Logan, Nathanael and Samuel; her sister-in-law, Claire Norton, wife of Merrill; and eight nieces and nephews who were close to her as they were growing up. She also leaves her best friend Ruth Norris of Hyannis, whom she met in first grade and became her lifelong best friend.

Visiting hours will be from 6:00 – 7:00 pm Friday, September 14, 2018 at Doane, Beal & Ames, West Main St., Hyannis, MA, immediately followed by a memorial service. Graveside service will be at noon on Saturday, September 15, 2018 at the Colebrook Cemetery, Whitman, MA. A luncheon will be held following the service at The Olde Hitching Post Restaurant, 48 Spring St, Hanson, MA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Federated Church of Hyannis, 320 Main St, Hyannis, MA 02601.