Mary (O'Connor) Blanchard

Mary (O’Connor) Blanchard  July 21, 1945 – September 14, 2025

Sturbridge – Mary (O’Connor) Blanchard, 80, passed away on September 14th after a courageous nineteen-year battle with PBC, a rare autoimmune liver disease.

She leaves her husband of 57 years, Charles T. Blanchard, her sons Brian Blanchard of Flagstaff, Arizona, Michael Blanchard and his wife Kerry (Nurmi) of Sturbridge, her daughter Kerry Blanchard and her husband Adamo Lauretti of Dublin, Ireland, her granddaughter Emily Blanchard and grandson Liam Blanchard, her brother John O’Connor and his wife Cathy of Holden her sister-in- laws Judy O’Connor of Millbury and Cathy O’Connor of Worcester, and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her son James Blanchard, and her brothers Charles O’Connor, Matthew O’Connor, and Richard O’Connor.

Mary was born and raised in Worcester, the daughter of Charles F. and Mary (Dorsey) O’Connor, and lived in Sturbridge for 52 years. She was a graduate of Notre Dame Academy and Worcester State College.

Mary’s enthusiasm, energy and sense of humor were evident in all that she did. She returned to teaching after becoming a full-time mother to her four children and thoroughly enjoyed her role in helping shape the lives of her students as well as the comradery of the Burgess staff. She looked forward to the regular Wednesday morning breakfast with the retired teachers.

Mary enjoyed being involved in the community in which she raised her family. After serving on the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Open Space Committee, Mary was elected to the Board of Selectmen and was in her sixth term, serving for 17 years. During the many years she Chaired the Board her enthusiasm, energy and especially her sense of humor served her well.

The most important things in her life were her family and friends. She enjoyed watching her children and grandchildren grow up, and cherished the time spent with them. Annual vacations on Cape Cod, travel – especially trips to Ireland – and summers spent by the pool created lasting memories.

The funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 10:00AM, at St, Anne/ St. Patrick Church, 16 Church Street, Fiskdale, MA.  Burial will follow at North Cemetery, Sturbridge. Calling hours will be Wednesday, September 17th from 5-8PM at Sansoucy Funeral Home, 40 Marcy Street, Southbridge.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her memory to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 529 Main Street, Charlestown, MA 02129 or to St. Anne/St. Patrick Parish, 16 Church Street, Fiskdale, MA 01518.

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