Blanch I. Hogate

Have been a pen pal with Blanch back into the 1990s. She was so helpful to me with my Hogate geneology search, and then just being a friend.
We always exchange birthday cards and Christmas cards. I was curious when the birthday card I mailed this year returned with no address suggested. A NJ cousin of mine told me that Blanch had died. I am so sorry. I enjoyed her stories and letters. I remember she sent me a children's story she wrote about an elephant...she had so many ideas of...

When she didn't answer my last email and I couldn't reach her by phone I had no idea that she has passed away. Blanch and I spent many hours together during our adolescence; she was my closest friend and confidante. My heart is filled with sadness but my life has been blessed by knowing her.
Cousin Shayne

To all of Blanches loved ones:

I am just now reading this obituary for my cousin, Blanch. So so sorry to hear of her passing. If I had known earlier, I would have come to the service to personally give each of you my condolences and hugs with love. I will look forward to seeing her again in heaven. Until then, may you all have fond memories to carry you on knowing that Blanch lives on in your hearts and mine.

Myrtle (Myrt) Norris Buoncuore

Dear Amelia and family,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and to your family. May the Lord give you peace. Your mother was a fine lady and I know she will be sorely missed.

Amy and Amelia,
I haven't seen your mom in years, but it will always feel like yesterday. She was working at the Housing Authority when I first met her and I would like to think she considered me a friend. I certainly considered her one of mine. She was so funny and kind and smart. I remember the look on her face when she didn't really like something...she would wrinkle up her nose and tilt her head a little bit. She was a great listener and had common sense and gave practical advice. ...

Dear Amy, Amelia and Family,
I was saddended to hear about the loss of Ms. Blanche. We were next door neighbors on Church Street and I will never forget my first camping adventure down in Chincoteague, VA with your family! Ms. Blanche treated me like I was one of her own...that's the kind of spirit she had. May God comfort you during this time of your great loss.

Blanche was tireless in her efforts to improve the lives of Salem residents. She was straight forward and independent, but so kind hearted, and always a lady. I feel privileged to have worked with her for the past five years and hope that I will be able to give to others the generosity of spirit that Blanche always shared with everyone around her. I will miss her.

I worked with Blanche at the health department for four years. What a great lady! They broke the mold when they made her. And no matter what her accomplishments in life were (and they were many), she was most proud of her daughters, son-in-laws and her precious grand daughter. RIP Blanche, you deserve it. Love, Kathie Vito

Amy,I will never forget how special your mom was. I remember the three of us going to the shore house and having so much fun. We would go shopping, go out for ice cream, go out to dinner, hang out under an umbrella at the beach with a cooler of food and snacks. Your mom always made me feel like one of her daughters. I loved and adored her and will miss her greatly. May God bless you with peace, love and joy, knowing your mom is in the arms of Jesus.