Blanche Anna Sully

Newburgh, NY

Blanche Anna Sully entered into rest at home on Tuesday, August 26, 2008.

Born in 1908 in Elmore, MN, Blanche was the daughter of Arthur and Ella Mae Stillwell Lappin, the youngest of nine children. Blanche came to Newburgh in 1933. With the help of match-making church friends, she met Arthur F. Sully, a well known Newburgh banker, a meeting that turned into a proposal in Downing Park while church bells played "O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go" and 61 years of marriage, he predeceased her in 1999.

Blanche is survived by three children: John Sully of Princeton, NJ and his wife, Katherine Rohrer, Linda Lou Sully of Newburgh, and Dawn Pile of Atlanta, GA and her husband, David; two granddaughters, Julian Clare Sully of New York, and Abigail Pile Bordeaux and her husband, Bryan of Boston, MA brought great delight to her life.

Blanche's 100 years were filled with joy, a deep commitment to her faith, and unending service to others. Without a doubt, first place in her life was her family, both immediate and her numerous relatives around the country. Weekly letters to her children were commonplace until recent years. Her husband, Arthur, relished many an apple, rhubarb or mince pie. Blanche made most of her own clothes and was known to remark to her daughters during a shopping expedition, "We can get some fabric and make a skirt just like that." In 1955 Blanche began a career at Balmville School that lasted 22 years. After one year as a kindergarten assistant, she became the first Balmville School secretary, retiring in 1978. Until the time of her death she was a beloved member of a group of retired Balmville School teachers who meet each month...they were also beloved by her and an integral part of her life.

A member of Westminster Presbyterian Church since the early 30's. Blanche's spirit of hospitality and care was extended to members and she served the church invarious capacities. For many years she and Arthur transported those who had no other means of getting to church and she shopped and cooked to help friends in need. Blanche made sure that if someone new attended church she found out their name and made them feel welcomed by personal contact. Even in her final year, when she could no longer attend, her intention each Sunday was to be in her place in the family pew. The Westminster family is her extended family.

Blanche's cheerfulness, fortitude, service and love will remain in the hearts of all who knew her and those qualities are a strong legacy for her children and grandchildren.

A Memorial Service for Blanche will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 614 Station Rd., Rock Tavern, NY 12575 on Sunday, September 14, at 3 p.m., and the family will receive friends at a reception following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donation may be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church or Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties, Inc., 800 Stony Brook Court, Newburgh, NY 12250.

Funeral Arrangements under direction of White & Venuto Funeral Home, 188 N. Plank Rd., Newburgh, NY 12550, 845-562-6550.