Rita Roberta Blanchard

At Passamaquaddy Lodge, St. Andrews NB on April 3, 2022, Mrs. Rita Roberta (Williston) Blanchard, wife of the late Joseph "John" Jean Baptiste Blanchard formally of Blacks Harbour NB. Born at Miramichi NB on February 19, 1941, she was a daughter of the late Harvey and Annie Roberta (Taylor) Williston.

   A loving mother, grandmother, sister and aunt, Rita is survived by her son's: Andy (Debbie) Blanchard of St. George NB, Donald Blanchard (Gwen Kincade) and Wesley Blanchard both of Saint John NB, her daughters: Joan (Clint) Hicks of Saint John NB, Diane Dougan (Mark Dion) of Saint John NB, Sandra (Terry) Justason of Pennfield NB, Sharon (Bobby) Daigle of Beaver Harbour NB, Cindy (David) McDougall of Pennfield NB and Gloria (Darren) Russell of Beaver Harbour NB, daughter in law Marilyn Blanchard of Pennfield NB, 17 grandchildren, 12 great grand children and one great great grandchild, her brother; Dillis Williston of Miramichi NB and her sister; Shirley Kinney. In addition to her parents, Rita was predeceased by her husbands: Andew Mills, Armand Blanchard and John Blanchard, her son Rickey Blanchard, daughter; Donna Lynn Blanchard, grandaughter; Dawna Blanchard and Grandson Jeremy Dougan, brothers: Ira, Ivan, Junior, Wayne, Lewis, Earl, and Max, sisters: Hilda Johnson, Iona Blanchard and Thelma Kilantella.

    Prior to her retirement, Rita worked for 30 years for Connors Brothers. She was known by her family as a woman of simple pleasures who was loads of fun. She loved bingo and loved to dance and sing. During her stay at the Passamaquaddy Lodge, she embraced the change from the beginning, fitting right in and becoming a member of "the group" who done everything together. She will be remembered for ending each entertainment activity with her famous "Wig Wank Dance" Rita was known as a person who was fun to be around and will be sadly missed by her family and all who knew her.

    Resting at Christ Church (Anglican) in Pennfield from where the service will be held on Wednesday at 2pm with Canon Caleb Twinamastiko officiating followed by interment in the church cemetery. Visiting at the church on Tuesday 2-4 and 6-8 pm. In Rita's memory, donations to the Charlotte County Cancer Society, Heart and Stroke foundation of New Brunswick or a charity of the donors choice would be appreciated by the family.