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Jean Eleannor Blanchard

Date of Death: December 25, 2025

Date of Birth: December 18, 1928

Biography:

Jean Eleannor Blanchard, passed away peacefully on Christmas Morning, Wednesday December 25, 2025, at Winterberry Heights Bangor Maine with family at her side. Christmas was her favorite day and we have so many wonderful memories. Jean was born on December 18, to Mary and Stanley Pasternak of Elizabeth, New Jersey where she was raised with her two brothers Stanley, Alfred and sisters Florence and Dorthea who predeceased her. She is survived by two sons, four grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

 Leaving Elizabeth Jean attended Tufts University where she  met her future husband, Zane Blanchard. She went on to the Boston School of Occupational Therapy and graduated as an occupational therapist.  They raised their family in Yarmouth Maine. Many of our summers were spent on our boat cruising Casco Bay back when you could  actually explore the islands of the bay. After raising two kids my mom decided to return to her passion of Occupational Therapy at Maine Medical Center. She came to MMC part-time 1970, began full-time in 1973 and was the Director of the Occupational Therapy Division retiring in 1994. Probably the best way to describe her at work is “Jean is one of the originals!....a stable, dependable influence” as she was in life. Mom also loved “entertaining” with Karen Miller’s Dance Class where she had many life long friends and danced into her 80’s wearing out two hips. She was an avid reader, enjoyed daily walks and exercise and experiencing the pleasures aging can bring.  Many of my and my brother’s friends called her “ma” that says it all. At her request her remains will be distributed where she requested and loved, Casco Bay. She also requested a party celebrating her life which will be held this summer in the Yarmouth/Falmouth area at a date to be determined. Please contact Bret if you are interested in attending. bretsblanchard@ hotmail.com. Gifts of remembrance may be sent to Gentiva Hospice