Lucy Ann Blanchard

Lucy Ann Blanchard, 88, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Dec. 22, 2020, in Idaho.  

During her life, she was known for her love of family, her artistic and decorating talent, her skill in growing beautiful flowers, her collections of antique Christmas ornaments and toys and her love of nature in all its forms. She lived a long and happy life and left a legacy of love.

Ann (Lucy) was born on May 30, 1932, to Bryan H. and Marion A. Wilburn in Chicago, Ill.

In 1937, the Wilburns moved to Port Washington. In 1950, she graduated from Port Washington High School in Wisconsin.  

She attended Beloit College where she met her future husband Charles J. Blanchard. They eloped on Oct. 22, 1953.  

Their college education was interrupted when Chuck was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Following Chuck’s service, they returned to Beloit College, where Ann received her bachelor of history degree in 1956.

Ann was a homemaker, raising their five children, Becky, Scott, Sandy, Mary and Stuart. She spent many hours shuttling the children to swim practice, football and baseball.

Her passion for gardening was evident in her yearly fabulous display of flowers and yard during the blooming months.  

In 1968, after her Aunt Francis passed away, she assumed the position of village clerk for Barrington Hills, Ill., a position she held until 1978, at which time the couple moved to the dream house she and Chuck built in Port Washington, Wis.

Ann and Chuck were avid antique dealers and enjoyed building their business together. They also enjoyed traveling — a cruise through South America, New Zealand, Australia, Hawaii, Spain and Alaska.  They also spent family vacations driving throughout the U.S. and were marked on a wall map with pins showing their travels. They spent time sailing in the Caribbean with her brothers Bryan and Bruce and their wives.  Later years, they spent winters in Ft. Myers, Fla., and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, to escape the harsh winters of Wisconsin. Ann enjoyed her wine club and her book club “Ladies of the Lake.”

Because Ann and Chuck eloped, on Oct. 22, 2003, their children helped them celebrate their 50th anniversary with a surprise wedding and a reception at The American Club, one of their favorite places. On Oct. 22, 2019, they celebrated their 66th.  A sign of their love and devotion to each other can be summed up by a card Chuck gave to Ann which she always kept in her wallet.

“What is a Soul Mate?

If you have found a smile that is the sweetest you’ve known. If you have heard, within a voice, the echoes of your own. If you have felt a touch that stirs the longings of your heart, and can still feel that closeness in the moments you’re apart. If you have filled with wonder at the way two lives can blend, to weave a perfect pattern that is seamless, end to end, if you believe some things in life are simply meant to be. Then you have found your soul mate, your heart’s own destiny.” — Emily Matthews.

Ann was preceded in death by her loving husband Chuck; her parents Bryan and Marion Wilburn; her brother Brian Wilburn; and grandson John Kist.

Ann is survived by her children Becky Herro, Scott (Lori) Blanchard, Sandra (Larry) Burmesch, Mary Howell and Stuart Blanchard.

She is also survived by grandchildren Tracy Trolio, Terrah Soto, Monica Trolio, Jenny (Jeremy) Peirsol, Katelyn (Scott) Ralsey, Amy (Zach) Blanchard, Nick (Rachel) Howell, Alex Howell and Brielle and Reese

Blanchard; great-grandchildren Hannah and Ellie Soto, Ashlynn and Chloe Peirsol and Aiden Chrzanowski and Andrew Norman; her brother Bruce (Karen) Wilburn; her sisters Linda Wilburn and Dottie (Jack) Blanchard; numerous nieces; nephews; and cousins.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Kidney Foundation, www.nkfcares@kidney.org.

Poole Funeral Home/Crematory, Port Washington, Wis., is assisting the family.  Information and condolences are available at www.poolefh.com or (262) 284-4431.