Shirley Marie Blanchard October 27, 1941 – February 04, 2019 Share this obituary Send Flowers Sign Guestbook| Send Sympathy Card After a long battle with Parkinson’s disease and colon cancer, Shirley Marie Blanchard, 77, died Monday, February 4, 2019, at the Circle of Life Hospice – Legacy Village in Bentonville, Arkansas. Shirley was a new resident of Bella Vista, Arkansas, where Kierstin and Brian Bible, her youngest daughter and son-in-law, have lived for 14 years. Shirley was born in Decatur, IL, October 27, 1941.
At the age of 19, she married her life’s love, Sherman (Doc) Blanchard, in Cedar Falls, Iowa. They enjoyed 58 extraordinary years of love, family, adventure, and travel. There has been no truer love than theirs.
She is survived by her husband, Sherman, three children, Kim, Todd, Kierstin and husband Brian, four grandchildren, Kelsey and husband Jerrett, Kaleigh, Cassady, and Logan, and her great grandson Everett. During her final months, seeing Everett’s face daily was the highlight of her day and brought her tremendous comfort and deep joy. Shirley had a smile and laugh that brightened the world.
She enjoyed cooking, sewing, reading, and entertaining. She also enjoyed watching Hallmark movies and HGTV. Throughout her life, she channeled her talents and creativity into her passion for interior design.
She dealt in Belgian and French antiques for years while residing in Germany. In 2005, she opened up Blanchard’s Antiques and Interiors in Tampa, Florida. It had been one of her life long dreams.
However, her deepest desire was to raise and care for her family, instilling the values that were of utmost importance to her – faith, family, love and respect. This was her greatest success. She created a home everywhere her family went during their 30 years as a military family.
Her heart’s delight was spending time with her husband, children and beloved grandchildren. Her final wish was for her family to remain close and connected so her love would travel through generations. In response to hearing the words, “All our lives we had fun, we had seasons in the sun…” from one of her favorite songs, she whispered, “Yes, yes we did”.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Circle of Life Hospice, 1201 NE Legacy Parkway, Bentonville, AR 72712 or visit the Circle of Life website at nwacircleoflife.com/donatesupport/ and click the “Donate Now” button to make a donation in Shirley Blanchard’s name. On February 23, 2019, at 10 AM, all faiths are invited to a Mass of the Resurrection which will be held at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic Church, 1 St. Bernard Lane, Bella Vista, AR 72715. Prior to the service, a Rosary will be said at 9:30 AM.
A luncheon will follow in the Parish Hall. Arrangements are by Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory. Online condolences may be made at www.
funeralmation.com.
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