Bertha W. Blanchard
June 21, 1919 — January 8, 2018
GARDNER – Bertha (Wink) Blanchard, 98, a resident of Baldwinville Nursing Home, died Monday, January 8, 2018 with her family at her side.
She was born in Brooklyn, New York on June 21,1919, daughter of the late Otto and Pauline (Zink) Wink, and had lived in Gardner for her entire adult life.
Bertha grew up in New York, where she graduated from Girls Commercial High School in Brooklyn. Many years ago, she worked as a secretary in New York City for a law firm and was a former choir member in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Brooklyn.
After moving to Gardner, she worked for several years as a secretary for the former Superintendent of Public Schools, Frank Chace. She later worked as a secretary for the late Dr. David Russell. Following her retirement, she worked at S. Bent Brothers Furniture Company. Bertha was a member of Faith Lutheran Church having been a member of the former First Lutheran Church for many years. She was also a former member of Jessamine Chapter Order of the Eastern Star.
Her husband of 55 years, Percy M. Blanchard, died in 1997. She leaves two children, Virginia L. Klemens and her husband Richard of Marietta, GA and Steven M. Blanchard of Gardner; four grandchildren; five great grandchildren; and many nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by her daughter, Eileen Lipsky, two sisters, Ida Kweselait and Lydia Heinrich, and a brother, Edward Wink.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 11, 2018 at 1 P.M. in Faith Lutheran Church, 627 Green Street, Gardner. Burial will be in Crystal Lake Cemetery. A calling hour will be held in the Faith Lutheran Church from 12 to 1 P.M. preceding the funeral service.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Faith Lutheran Church, 627 Green Street, Gardner, MA 01440 or to the Baldwinville Resident Activity Fund, c/o Baldwinville Skilled Nursing and Rehab, 51 Hospital Road, Baldwinville MA 01436, or to the charity of choice.
Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon is directing arrangements.
www.stone-ladeau.com