S Blanche F. (Brewer) Pettis

HOLDEN – Blanche F. (Brewer) Pettis, 84, of Union Street, died peacefully in her home surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, February 27, 2011 after a four year battle with cancer.

Her husband of 51 years, Elmer "Russ" Pettis died in 1997. She leaves her son, Russell "Chip" R. Pettis and his wife Norma of Edgewater, Maryland; four daughters, Luann Wesolowski and her close friend Laurence Smith of Leicester, Mary L. Sloan and her husband Frank of Jefferson, Carla J. Corcoran and her companion Alan Doolittle of Rutland, and Robin L. Fee and her husband Thomas of Holden; two brothers, Charles H. Brewer, Jr. and his wife Karin of Holden and William Brewer and his wife Jeanne of Holden; a sister, Carleen Tupper and her husband Ken of Holden; 10 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; her son-in-law, Chet Wesolowski of Jefferson; a brother-in-law, Earl McIntosh of Holden; several nephews and nieces. A daughter, Anna Rose Pettis and a sister, Ruth McIntosh predeceased her. She was born in Holden, the daughter of Charles H. and Mary B. (Berube) Brewer and lived in Holden all of her life.

Mrs. Pettis graduated from Holden High School, and worked in the kitchen and also as a lunch monitor at Rice Elementary School in Holden for 25 years retiring in 1997. She was a long time bingo volunteer for the Chaffin Recreation Association. She enjoyed gardening, knitting, playing bingo and spending time with her family. During World War II, Blanche served as a volunteer firefighter, known as the "Holden Flames", for the Holden Fire Department. She later served many years as a Matron for the Holden Police Department and worked many years at the voting polls at Precinct 2 during Holden town elections.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 2nd at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street (Rte. 122A), Holden. The funeral service for Blanche will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 3rd, at the funeral home. Spring burial will be in Grove Cemetery, Holden. Memorial donations may be made to NEADS, Dogs for Deaf and Disabled Americans, 305 Redemption Rock Trail, Princeton, MA 01541.

Website & Guest book: www.milesfuneralhome.com