Exeter, NH – Mary M.(Sweeney) Blanchard, 81,formerly of Gorham, Maine and Sun City Center, Fla., died peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, May 30, 2010.
She was born in Whitman, MA, daughter of the late William and Margaret Sweeney. Mary was a graduate of Whitman High School, received her teaching degree from Gorham State Teachers College, and was an active member of St Anne's parish in Gorham.
The widow of Donald K. Blanchard, who died in 2008, Mary is survived by her four children, Donna Walsh and husband Bill of Goffstown, NH; Diane Cahill and husband John of Rye, NH; Bob Blanchard and wife Dawn also of Rye, Christopher and Ali Blanchard of Kennebunk, Maine, and eleven grandchildren. Mary is also survived by her sister Jane Sweeney Barrows, brothers Mark and Michael Sweeney, as well as her large and extended family.
Mary was a lover of art and music and was blessed with a beautiful singing voice, which brought her and those around her much pleasure and happy memories. Most of all, she was a loving mother and grandmother who treasured all her family near and far as well her many dear friends. Her generosity of spirit, creativity and boundless energy will always be remembered.
Mary’s life will be celebrated on Saturday June 5th at 8:15AM from the Blanchard Funeral Chapel Plymouth Street (Rt. 58 at the rotary) Whitman, followed by a funeral mass at 9:00AM in the Holy Ghost Church, Whitman. Burial will follow in the Colebrook Cemetery .Family will receive friends on June 4th from 4:00-8:00PM.