Obituary of Barbara Mae Blanchard

Wenham – Barbara Mae Dow Blanchard, 91, died peacefully on Sunday, June 28, 2020 at the family home, while in the comforting presence of family. She was pre-deceased by her loving husband of 66 years, William M. Blanchard, Jr. and their infant daughter Brenda. Barbara was the daughter of the late Marguerite (Mullen) and Mervell G. Dow and sibling to Richard, Charlotte, Marilyn, and Sandra. An Ipswich native and graduate of Revere High School, Barbara spent most of her married life in Beverly. She worked at Beverly Hospital and Beverly Public Schools, and she served as Deaconess at First Baptist Church. Her passion was her family and she was enthusiastically involved with her children and their families. Barbara will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, and auntie. Her fondest memories combined her love of family with her enjoyment of the water, particularly at Crane Beach, Ocean Park, and Chebacco Lake. Upon retirement, Barbara and Bill enjoyed many years at Enon Village in Wenham and took special pride in their garden. She is survived by her children, William M. Blanchard and Sarah (Allen), Robert A.Blanchard and Deborah (Burrow), Nancy Hairston and Robert Broadfield, grandchildren, Joshua Hairston, Angela Hairston, Corrina Hairston, Matthew Blanchard, Laura Blanchard Bitler, and the in-laws Michelle, Mark, Dan, Stephanie, 12 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Services will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 300 5th Ave., Waltham, MA 02451 or the Wenham Council on Aging, 138 Main St., Wenham, MA 01984.