Barbara Ann Blanchet, 74, of Bonita Springs, FL passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, May 3, 2019. Formerly of Saginaw, MI, Barb began spending the winters in Bonita Springs in 1997 before making it her permanent home. She also spent a lifetime of summers at her family cottage in Point Lookout, MI.
Barb was born May 28, 1944 in Saginaw, MI, the daughter of the late Ruby (Edwards) and Gerald Ackerman, MD. She was a graduate of Northwestern University, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education. Barb had a gift with children and after graduating went on to teach first grade in the Saginaw Township School District.
She was active in her community and served as a member of the Junior League of Saginaw, in addition to being a member of the Saginaw Club and the Saginaw Country Club. Barb enjoyed tennis, golf, walking her dogs and boating with friends and family. She spoiled those she loved with countless homecooked meals, baked goods and holiday treats.
She was the definition of the ultimate homemaker. Above all else, Barb cherished the time she spent with her husband of 53 years, who was truly the love of her life, her four children and twelve grandchildren. She leaves behind a lasting legacy of love of family and kindness and will be greatly missed.
She is survived by husband, Harold J. “Tim” Blanchet, Jr.; children, Lisa (Craig) Elson of Los Angeles, CA, Timothy (Dawn) Blanchet, MD of Rochester, MI, Laura (Conrad) van Tienhoven of Bronxville, NY and Sarah (Mark) Degenaars of Ladera Ranch, CA; and grandchildren, Whitney, Lauren and Catherine Elson, Alexander, Benjamin, Samuel and Jacqueline Blanchet, Charles, Fletcher and Grace van Tienhoven, and Elizabeth and Luke Degenaars. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mark’s Church, 415 S. Court Street, Au Gres, MI 48703. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service.
In celebration of Barb’s life, guests are invited to wear any colors to the service. A private Internment for family will follow at Sims Whitney Cemetery in Sims Township, MI. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Barb’s honor can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave.
, FL. 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or through the Alzheimer’s Association website at: act. alz.org/site/TR/Events/Tributes-AlzheimersChampions?
pxfid=547620&fr_id=1060&pg=fund. Local arrangements are being handled by Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Barbara Ann Blanchet please visit our Sympathy Store.
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