June Blanchard

June Blanchard

Aug. 12, 1930 - Aug. 3, 2024

SKOKIE, IL - June Miller Weisberger Blanchard, a trailblazer in law and a cherished matriarch, passed away peacefully at home in Skokie, IL, on August 3, 2024, at the age of 93. Born on August 12, 1930, in Chicago, IL, June's long and impactful life was marked by her unwavering dedication to her family, her passion for education, and her commitment to justice.

June graduated from Swarthmore College with High Honors in 1951 and received her M.A. in History from Johns Hopkins University in 1952. At the age of 30, then a mother with three young children, she enrolled in the University of Chicago Law School. In 1963, she earned her J.D., one of only three women in her graduating class.

June served as an Assistant Corporation Counsel in Rochester, NY, and as Legal Counsel for the Rochester Board of Education, a position she created. From 1972 to 1973, she was a Visiting Professor at Cornell University's School of Industrial and Labor Relations. June went on to become a Professor of Law at the University of Wisconsin, where she taught and advocated for women's rights for over two decades until her retirement.

Professor Weisberger was instrumental in drafting and advocating for the Wisconsin Marital Property Act, which transitioned Wisconsin from a common-law property state to a community property state. Her work helped to reshape the legal landscape for married couples in Wisconsin, ensuring a more equitable distribution of property. June also played a key role in creating the Labor Law Program at the University of Wisconsin and pioneered gender discrimination classes at the UW Law School. Recognized as a Labor Arbitrator, June was known for her thorough and fair-minded approach to resolving disputes.

June's personal interests included quilting, cooking and international travel. She was a superb hostess. After her retirement, June volunteered as a "classroom grandparent" in the Madison public schools. She remained active in committee work within her community, contributing her wisdom and experience well into her 90th year.

Most of all, June loved and took pride in her family.

June was predeceased by her husbands: Bernard Weisberger, Converse Blanchard, and Alan Brown. She is survived by her dear brother, Eugene Miller; by her loving children: Jonathan Weisberger (Deborah Mudd Weisberger), Lise Weisberger (Malcolm Rich), and Beth Weisberger (Tim Fishbaugh); by her devoted stepchildren: Beth Schaffer (Steve), Margy Blanchard (Bob Lewis), Jean Patt (Tom) and Brian Blanchard (Mary); and by her adored grandchildren: Abigail, Miriam, Leo, Leah, Rebecca, Sidney, Michael, Carolyn, Will, Ben, and Allison.

June's legacy is one of determination, intelligence, generosity, and love. She will be remembered as a woman who broke barriers, inspired others, and above all, cherished and nurtured her family. Her memory will be held in the hearts of all who knew her as a guiding light and an example of a life well-lived.

To express condolences online, go to https://www.habenfuneral.com/obituaries/June-Miller-Weisberger-Blanchard?obId=32613562