The Life of GRACE MARY BLANCHARD
Grace Mary Blanchard, 84, died Sunday, February 14, 2010.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10 a.m. Thursday February 18, 2010 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, 15 Indianola Avenue, with burial to follow at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, February 17, 2010 at Hamilton's Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street. A rosary will be held at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Grace was born May 30, 1925 to Clifford and Rose Wheeler. After her father died, she was raised by mother, Rose and step-father, Herman Bernitz. Grace was a member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church and past president of the Altar and Rosary Society. She worked for many years in the cafeteria at Howe Elementary School and enjoyed playing Yahtzee and doing crossword puzzles.
At 11 years old, Grace was diagnosed with diabetes and was told she would never have children. Not only did Grace live a long and fulfilling life, she had three children and never let her diabetes limit what she could do.
Grace is survived by her children, Michael (Chris) Blanchard, Susan (Randy) Augustin, and Roi Ann (James) McFall; twelve grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; sister, Donna Nickel; sister- in-law, Mary Wheeler; and a host of other family and beloved friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, LeRoy "Doc" Blanchard; and brother, Eugene Wheeler.
Memorial contributions may be given to St. Anthony's Catholic Church.