Marian Elaine Blanchard's Obituary
She was a teacher.
Not just to the hundreds of first graders at Heartwood Elementary, but to all those who knew and loved her. Her late husband, Jim. Her three sons, Mark (Joan), Todd and Paul (Megan). Her three younger siblings, Sam, Diane and John. Her four grandchildren, Nathan, Thomas, George and James.
She taught us all to love and respect others. To be fair. To be patient. And most importantly, to care.
She taught us the importance of reading and writing and the power of words. That education, thinking and learning are unquestioned necessities. That faith is a private matter, not a public policy. And that voting is a duty that is second only to knowing the truth of what you’re voting for. She gave us class, culture, manners and lessons on how to set a proper table. She taught us to eat well, to keep our gardens up, our houses clean and our beds made.
And in the end, with her loved ones by her side, she taught us the most important lesson of all. That leaf subsides to leaf, that Eden sinks to grief, that dawn goes down to day, that nothing gold can stay.
What’s your fondest memory of Marian ?
What’s a lesson you learned from Marian ?
Share a story where Marian 's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Marian you’ll never forget.
How did Marian make you smile?