Born April 23, 1941 Died June 21, 2023
Jean Marie Blanchard, 82, of North Bay passed away peacefully at home on June 21, 2023, with family by her side. She was born on April 23, 1941, in Kapuskasing to her late parents Hector Blanchard and Anna Leclair.
Jean shared her life with her partner Bernice Belanger. She will be dearly missed by her stepchildren Tammy (James) Ranger, Mary-Jane (Robert) Ivancic; step grandchildren Brandon (Meaghan) Ciesielski, Tiara (Damian) Topps, Amya, Jakob, Avary, Matthew, Emma Ivancic; and a step great grandson Arbor Topps. Many nieces and nephews warmed her heart throughout her life.
Predeceased by her siblings Kitty, Norma, Martin, Robert and Doris.
Jean found her calling and pursued a nursing degree in Port Arthur, Ontario. From there she moved to the place she’d forever call home, North Bay. She worked as a registered nurse at the North Bay Civic Hospital for many years. Jean took great pride in her work and shared her knowledge and skills with the many students she mentored. Her selflessness, professionalism, and compassion led her to be held in the highest regard by her colleagues and patients even long after her retirement in 1996.
For 35 years Jean would be found enjoying time with her partner Bernice at their summer camp, traveling, boating, and making memories with their many friends. She was an avid bird watcher, card and scrabble player, and Toronto Maple Leaf fan. Jean spent countless hours in her community volunteering at the Civic Hospital and North Bay Regional Health Centre, as well as the Canadian Cancer society, Canadian Club, Mattawa Legion, and Relay for Life.
With dear affection she thanks Debbie Weir, her neighbor and friend, for her ongoing assistance over the years. She’s forever grateful to her stepdaughter Tammy for caring for her in her final weeks. To all the respite workers, PSW’s, nurses, hospital staff, and Dr. Mah, thank you for helping make her journey with pulmonary fibrosis more manageable.
As per her wishes, cremation has taken place and she would like loved ones to remember her in their own special way.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the North Bay Regional Health Centre.
Arrangements entrusted to Basic Cremation Services