Obituary of Mary E. Blanchfield

Mary E. Blanchfield                                                                                         October 19, 1923 – April 18, 2018

Our Mom lived a very full 94 years, or as she would have described her current age, “I am in my 95^th year”.  Born to Bartholomew and Elizabeth Enright, both of whom were Irish immigrants, Mom cherished her Celtic heritage and her strong Catholic roots.

She lived her entire life in the NYC area, and often questioned why anyone would do otherwise.  An executive secretary by training, she worked from her teen years until she married her Bill in 1947.  William Blanchfield was a New Yorker as well, and while serving in World War II, they shared many letters, which she shared with no one.

Our Mom has five children, Pat, Brian, Kevin, Betsy and Eileen and her own kids blessed her with 15 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.  She cherished her “grands” and “great-grands” up til the very end, even when her sight, hearing or memory was less than perfect.  She and her “little ones”, ranging in age from One to Forty Two, paid no mind and loved Nanny dearly.  She taught well by her example.

She was a stay at home Mom while we were growing up, and was quite active in the ladies’ and parents’ clubs at all of our schools.  She participated in many of our activities, as a leader or spectator, and was known for her imagination and ingenuity if activities had to be developed quickly.  She had an uncanny sense of our friends and acquaintances, the good, bad and ugly, and made her presence known to all.  In our neighborhood, everyone knew Mrs. Blanchfield.

When the time was right and we were a bit older, she was offered an opportunity to work in the tourism business.  She genuinely enjoyed the worldwide travel opportunities with her clients, colleagues and friends, remained in touch with those she could, and spoke of many others and the wonderful experiences she enjoyed.  Her Bill was lucky to have been able to accompany her on most of her trips.  He thought himself to be a VIP, Mom had other ideas.

As you might assume after 94 years, many of Mom’s friends have gone home to the Lord before her.  Bill preceded her by almost twenty seven years, and we’re certain that he will assemble a legion of their friends and family to receive her, and we are pleased to think about that.  As you might imagine, there are hundreds of stories that we recall at moments like this.  We’re certain that as her kids we’ll share them again amongst ourselves, and perhaps “some” we can even share with our own kids and grandchildren.

Although sad to see Mom leave to be with God and Dad, we’re genuinely blessed to have been guided by such a strong (perhaps feisty) and loving lady for so long.  She taught us to love God first, and family, followed by our culture and country.  Mom, we carry those virtues proudly.