Obituary of Helen Alice Blanchard

Helen Alice Spies Blanchard, 99, Washington, DC Helen Alice Spies Blanchard, devoted mother and grandmother, avid reader, and steadfast friend to humans, animals, and plants alike, passed away at her residence in Washington, D.C., on October 15, 2016, at age 99. Born in Boonton, New Jersey, on October 4, 1917, Helen spent a happy childhood with her younger brothers, Raymond and Charles Spies, and their Boston bulldog, Flash. She graduated in 1939 from Mountainside Hospital School of Nursing in Montclair, New Jersey, and thrived in her nursing career at Mountainside, Morristown, and All Souls Hospitals in New Jersey and, during World War II, at Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where she offered care and comfort to her patients and made life-long friends. On August 16, 1941, Helen married Horace Whitman Blanchard, also of Boonton. After World War II, the couple settled in Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, where they raised their family, were active in community, church and school events, and enjoyed being near New York City for work, Broadway musicals and cultural offerings. They moved in 1990 from New Jersey to Washington, D.C., where Helen brought beauty to family and neighbors with her green thumb, entertained close friends, and spoiled her granddaughter. In 2001, the couple celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary before Horace's death in October of that year. When Helen's health began to decline in July 2016, she took comfort in knowing she would be with Horace and other dear relatives, friends and pets who awaited her. Besides being a tireless gardener, Helen was a voracious reader, particularly of the daily newspaper and political biographies and autobiographies. A strong, brave, and intelligent woman, Helen made a lasting impact on those lucky enough to cross her path. Helen's wise and cheerful presence will be sorely missed by her daughter June Blanchard Brown, son-in-law Stephen R. Brown, granddaughter Caitlin Alice Brown, Cecilia Chauvin Martincic, her "daughter" via a 1965-66 student exchange program, and generations of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and beloved friends. Visitation for Helen will be held on Thursday, October 20, 2016, from 6-8PM, at Dangler, Lewis and Carey Funeral Home, 312 W. Main Street, Boonton, NJ 07005.The Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, October 21, 2016, at 9:30 AM at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 910 Birch Street, Boonton, NJ, followed immediately by interment at Greenwood Cemetery in Boonton. Helen will also be memorialized at a Mass at Holy Trinity Catholic Church (St. Ignatius Loyola Chapel) in Washington, DC, on October 24, 2016, at 8;00AM. Letters of Condolence may be posted at danglerlewisandcareyfuneralhome.com.