Ernestine W. (Wilkins) Blanchard

WORCESTER - Ernestine W. (Wilkins) Blanchard, 90, died peacefully on Tuesday, January 22, 2019 with family by her side at UMass Memorial Medical Center - University Campus in Worcester. She was born in Princeton, ME, the daughter of Ernest G. and Irene (Metcalf) Wilkins and grew up in Jay and Sebago Lake, ME.
Ernestine graduated from Standish High School and went on to earn a Degree from Westbrook Jr. College. It was while working as an Administrative Assistant at Union Mutual Insurance Co. in Portland, ME that she met and fell in love with L. Russell Blanchard. The couple married in 1951 and settled in the Greendale section of Worcester where they raised their family. Ernestine was a member of the Greendale People's Church, the Merry Weeders Garden Club, and past President of the Outdoor Sports Club. A skilled gardener, her home perennial gardens were once featured on a Tower Hill Worcester City garden tour. She was a founding member and former Trustee of Tower Hill Botanic Garden, which she treasured. Ernestine was also a proud recipient of a Colby Brick award for her outstanding work in support of Colby College.
A cherished friend to all who knew her, Ernestine (“Ernie”) would always greet you with the warmest smile and a laugh. She was known for her quick wit, honest opinions and competitive spirit. Whether playing Bridge with friends, or leading the charge on a local scavenger hunt, unless you were a child, Ernestine wasn’t one to let you win. She also loved cheering on the New England Patriots, Boston Red Sox, and Colby Mules.
Throughout her life, Ernestine was fortunate enough to travel the world, from Alaska to New Zealand, but her most treasured times were spent near the sea during her annual trips to Maine surrounded by her adoring family and the cherished family dog “Allie”. As the true matriarch of the family, she established some of the most precious traditions that will live on for generations to come.
Ernestine was predeceased by her beloved husband of 34 years, L. Russell Blanchard in 1985. She will be lovingly remembered by her son, Lawrence (“Larry”) Blanchard and his wife, Kristin of Northborough; her daughter, Beverly Gorniewicz and her husband, Peter of Naperville, Il; her brother, Richard Wilkins and his partner, Diane Upham Fisk of Milford, NH; her sister-in-law, Bonnie Wilkins of Nasuha, NH; her granddaughter, Brittany Rouse and her husband, Tyler of Champaign, Il; and two great grandchildren, Isabelle and Brady. Ernestine was also predeceased by her brother, Gerald Wilkins.
Funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Drive, P.O. Box 598, Boylston, MA 01505. To share a memory or offer a condolence visit www.milesfuneralhome.com