Blanche E. (Paquette) Cahill, age 103 of Georgetown, formerly of Haverhill, died Thursday evening, October 2, 2008 at the Brigham Manor Nursing Home, Newburyport.
Mrs. Cahill was born in Haverhill on December 16, 1904, the daughter of the late Ovide and Georgianna (Gilbert) Paquette. She was educated in the Haverhill School System. She worked for Pentucket Mill, Haverhill, for several years prior to raising her family. She was married for over 65 years to the late John J. Cahill, who died July 16, 1984.
After her children were grown she and her husband were the owners of Modern Laundry on Hilldale Avenue, Haverhill. She also worked in the cafeteria of the former Haverhill Trade School until her retirement.
She was a resident of Haverhill for most of her life. She also resided in Sarasota, FL and in Georgetown since 1981.
In 2006 Mrs. Cahill was the recipient of the Boston Post Cane Award, which is presented to the oldest living resident in the town. The award began in 1909 by the owner of the Boston Post Newspaper, who donated 700 canes to towns throughout New England to be presented to their oldest living resident. On November 18, 2006, Mrs. Cahill received the Cane for Georgetown in a presentation ceremony in her honor.
She enjoyed square dancing, wintering in Florida, and spending time with her family. She was a member of St. Mary Parish, Georgetown.
She is survived by her children, Shirley A. St. Germain and her husband Joseph F. of Groveland, John F. Cahill and his wife Frances of Newfield, ME, Dianne Connolly and her husband Michael J. of Hancock, NH, and Mary Ellen Dooley and her husband Thomas F. of Hampden; ten grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Monday, October 6, in the C. Frank Linnehan and Son Haverhill Funeral Home, 129 Kenoza Avenue, Haverhill, at 10:00 a.m. Funeral Mass in St. Mary's Church, 94 Andover Street (Rte. 133), Georgetown, at 11:00 a.m. Burial in St. James Cemetery, Primrose Street, Haverhill.
Calling hours Monday prior to the funeral from 9:00-10:00 a.m., in the C. Frank Linnehan and Son Haverhill Funeral Home, 129 Kenoza Avenue, Haverhill Relatives and friends kindly invited.