Martha Blanchard

Martha C. Blanchard (Marty) passed away on January 8, 2025 after a short illness. She had been in good health until very recently and had enjoyed her 95th birthday party last month.
Marty was born on December 7, 1929 in Shanghai, China. Her parents, a doctor and a dentist, were on a temporary exchange to China, which turned into an extended residency of about 14 years in that country.
Marty and her mother spent almost two years in the Santo Tomas Japanese internment camp in the Philippines during World War II, from about ages 12 to 14. After returning to the United States, Marty graduated from Oneonta High School in 1947. She was involved with many sports such as basketball and softball, and she also was president of the Chemistry Club. She later attended the University of Michigan, St. Lawrence University, and graduated from Harpur College, now part of Binghamton University in 1952.
In 1950 she married Charles Connell II in Tupper Lake, N.Y. They had three children (Chuck, Cathy, and Dan) and lived in Queens, NY and Norwalk, CT. Marty was a homemaker and office manager for an insurance company and involved in church activities.
In 1977 she married Bruce Blanchard and they moved to Westport, CT and to Vero Beach, FL in 1991. They often spent summers at her parents' home in Tupper Lake.
Marty was an excellent athlete, playing tennis, platform tennis, basketball, softball, golf, volleyball, and badminton. Marty was artistic and creative. She made latch hook rugs, knitted sweaters, and made clothes and drapes for her homes. She was outgoing, friendly, and a kind, spiritual person.
Marty is predeceased by her father Dr. Daniel Collins, a dentist, her mother Dr. Martha Collins, a psychiatrist, and her daughter, Catherine Connell.
She is survived by her husband Bruce of Vero Beach; sons Chuck (and wife Janet) and Dan (and wife Wilma); grandchildren Abby, Charles IV, Katie, Elizabeth, Brianna, and Lilly; and great-grandson Finn.
Services will be at Strunk Funeral Home in Vero Beach, FL at 10:00 on Saturday January 11, with burial at Crestlawn Cemetery.