SMYRNA – Josephine F. “Fran” Blanchard, 87, well-known Smyrna resident, passed away Monday evening, Feb. 2, 2009 in the Valley View Manor Nursing Home of Norwich.
The daughter of Gaius and Florabell Dietrish Seymour, Fran was born in January of 1922 in Marathon, but spent her girlhood in Greene, where she attended the local school. Following her marriage in Greene on July 17, 1948 to John E. Blanchard, Fran moved with her husband to Smyrna, where she continued to make her home for many years. She assisted her husband in the operation of Blanchard’s Gas Station and worked for numerous years in the cafeteria of the Smyrna School, retiring at the time the school closed. Fran was also a true asset to her community and her church, the Smyrna United Methodist Church, where she helped with many of the church’s bazaars and dinners. A charter member of the Smyrna Fire Dept. Ladies’ Auxiliary, she was active in many of their fundraisers and barbecues.
Fran is survived by her son, Don Blanchard of Smyrna and her sister, Vina Chamberlain of Montour Falls. Several nieces and nephews also survive. Fran was predeceased by her husband, John, on Aug. 1, 2000, and by her sister and brothers: Minnie Van Name and Mason and Gaius Seymour.
Graveside funeral services for Fran will be held in the spring from the Sherburne West Hill Cemetery. There will be no calling hours.
Please consider memorial contributions to the Smyrna Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, Smyrna NY 13464.
Arrangements are with the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home.