ELLEN DUNCAN BLANCHARD

ELLEN DUNCAN BLANCHARD BURLINGTON - Ellen Duncan Blanchard died peacefully at The Arbors Community for Alzheimer's Care in Shelburne, on Nov. 24, 2009. Ellen was born in New York City on Feb. 28, 1928. She was the daughter of Eleanor M. Duncan and architect Perry M. Duncan, both of Huntington, West Virginia. She spent her childhood in Bronxville, New York, then attended Madeira School in McLean, Virginia, and Barnard College in New York. She married Kimball Blanchard of Irvington, New York and South Hero, Vermont on Oct. 17, 1947. They settled in Greenwich, Connecticut in 1949, where they raised their four children. They spent summers on Lake Champlain in South Hero. In 1994 they moved to Burlington, to be closer to family. Ellen was passionate about Education and the Arts. She loved theater, film, music, and literature. A dedicated volunteer in the Greenwich Public School System, she directed local musicals and tutored children with learning disabilities. She served on the Board of Education and championed creative teaching and learning. Ellen touched the lives of countless people. She was happiest sharing deep conversation with family and friends of all ages and generations. Surprise visits were her heart's delight; a mentor to many, her door was always open. Family was the central focus of her life. She was an extraordinary mother who raised her children with unconditional love and understanding. Ellen is survived by her husband Kimball Blanchard of Burlington and South Hero; her sister, Skipwith D. Ho of Wainscott, N.Y.; her sisters-in-law, Bet B. Bower of Southbury, Conn. and South Hero, and Marianne S. Blanchard of Key West, Fla. and South Hero; by her children, Perry D. Blanchard of Charlotte, and South Hero, and his daughters, Kate, Daphne and Portia; Maxine M. Blanchard of Burlington, and her children, Wesley and Renata; Ellen K. Blanchard of Woods Hole, Mass., and her sons Breton and Cooper; and Erik C. Blanchard of Norwich; and by her five nieces and one nephew, Stephen, Casey, Lee, Nina, Francesca, and Antonia; five great nieces, Erin, Lily, Gussie, Julia, and Molly; four great nephews, Cory, Robert, Robby, and Tyler; and great, great niece and nephew, Will and Lucy. A private celebration honoring Ellen's life will be held in the spring or summer. Sincere and heartfelt thanks to everyone at The Arbors and at Armistead Caregiver Services who were involved with Ellen's care. For those who wish to, a memorial gift may be made in Ellen's honor to The Flynn Theatre, c/o Paula Roberts, 153 Main Street, Burlington, VT, 05401.