It is with great sadness that our family announces the passing of Mary Kathryn Blanchard (Kathy) of Rockville, Maryland on Sunday November 12, 2017.

Kathy was born October 21, 1935 in Gilmore, Arkansas to the late Joel Austin Allen and Ludie Mae Houslow. She is preceded in death by her son Gregory M. Blanchard and brothers James Allen, Joseph Allen, and Wallace Allen. She is survived by her beloved husband of 62 years Roger L. Blanchard and her son Randall L. Blanchard (Anne) and daughter Lori B. Nader (Patrick). Grandchildren Ryan Blanchard, Ashleigh Nader, Kelsey Blanchard, Andrew Blanchard, Amy Blanchard, Stephanie Nader, Allen Blanchard, and great grandson Jared Nader. Special acknowledgement Wendy Blanchard Stallard (Jim). Kathryn is also survived by her three sisters Helen Jones (Fitzhugh, deceased), Sybil Ingram (Gerald), Mildred Brown (Lane) and brothers Gene Allen (Erika) and Vernon Allen (Bessie).

Kathy graduated from Secretarial school in Memphis, TN shortly before meeting the love of her life, Roger. Once married, she followed Roger to his different stationed Naval bases and then to various locations for his IBM career. Her own working career included time in the Air Force in Elcentro, CA and later HUD (Housing in Urban Development) in Washington, DC.  Before her retirement she worked with FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) for 20 years. 

Her interests included traveling to all the countries with her love Roger. She also enjoyed tending to her gardens on both her deck and her side yard. She would enjoy remarking to her family and her houseguests about the different butterflies and birds that landed in her gardens over the years. Above all, she loved her children, her grandbabies, and her great grandson. 

Kathy fought a long fight with cancer and stayed strong with the help of God and her family. She was in the comfort of her home and in the presence of all of her loved ones at the time of her death. 

Roger and the family would like to thank Holy Cross Hospice Care for their continuous support, care, and compassion in our time of need. Please make any donations (in lieu of flowers) to Holy Cross Home Care and Hospice website.
www.holycrosshealth.org

Viewing: Wednesday (November 15, 2017) from 7-9pm at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church located at 917 Montrose Road, Rockville, MD 20852

Mass of Christian Burial:  Thursday (November 16, 2017) at 10am at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church located at 917 Montrose Road, Rockville, MD 20852

Reception: Thursday (November 16, 2017) following the funeral service 

Internment: Tuesday (November 21, 2017) at 9:30am at Gates of Heaven located at 13801 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20906

 Service Information