Loved cooking, gardening and dancing
MELROSE — Janice D. (Wright) Blanchard, a long time resident of Melrose, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 10 at the Winchester Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, at age 96.
Janice was born in Worcester on November 17, 1927, the fourth of five children of the late Clifford L. Wright and Mabel (Oldham) Wright. Raised in Melrose, Janice was a 1946 graduate of Melrose High School and graduated from Garland Jr. College.
A resident of Melrose nearly her entire life, Jan was an active participant in the community. When her children were young, she was a lunch supervisor at Horace Mann Elementary School and member of the Melrose Mothers Club. She was a longtime member of Phi Theta Xi Sorority, served as a member of the Melrose Wakefield Hospital Auxiliary Board and was a hospital volunteer for many years. She was also a longtime active member of the Melrose Highlands Congregational Church where she was a member of the Women’s Guild. In her free time, she loved arts and crafts projects, cooking and gardening. Her love of dancing was well known, as she was always the first to the dance floor with husband Don at every family wedding and event.
Above all, Jan was dedicated to her family. She was naturally happiest when gathering with family on Lake Winnipesaukee every summer or following her grandchildren’s athletic, musical or theatrical pursuits. Sociable, loving and warm, Jan enjoyed hosting many family events, parties or holidays and was a genuine and loyal friend. She will be sorely missed by all, but always lovingly remembered for her strong, but gentle, loving spirit.
Janice was the beloved wife of the late Donald R. Blanchard with whom she shared 72 years of marriage. Devoted mother of Beverly T. Harrison and her husband Michael of Melrose; Donna Rae Bryson and her husband Robert of Peabody; and Raymond H. Blanchard and his wife Christine of Melrose. Loving sister of the late Russell C. Wright; Elizabeth “Betty” Stantial Conn; Marilyn Wright; and Beverly Wright. Cherished by eight grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren and one great great grandchild.
Relatives and friends are invited to gather in honor of Janice during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Friday, June 14 from 4 to 7 p.m. and for her funeral service at Melrose Highlands Congregational Church, 355 Franklin St., Melrose on Saturday, June 15 at 9 a.m. Interment at Wyoming Cemetery. For online tribute or directions, visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
