Rita C, (Demeo) Blanchard

ATHOL – Rita Caroline (Demeo) Blanchard died on November 18, 2021. She was born in 1927, the daughter of John and Catherine (Delmolino) Demeo in Athol. She was educated in the Athol School system and graduated with the Class of 1945. In 1947 she married Howard H. Blanchard. In 1949 they moved to Baldwinville where she opened and managed The Elms Gift Shop for five years. In 1959 she and Howard moved to Athol with their two children Gary and Cynthia. Rita was employed by Plotkin Furniture; Town of Athol as a clerk in the Veteran’s Department and also worked in the Town Clerk’s office. She also was a secretary at Riverbend School. After that she was the secretary to the Superintendant of Schools in Athol. Rita leaves a son: Gary Blanchard and his wife Ann of Bedford, MA and a daughter: Cynthia Blanchard of Dennis, MA; her grandchildren: Danielle Beck and her husband Christopher of Bedford, MA and Lynnette Whitman and her husband Jeffrey of Westford, MA; great grandchildren: Jack Whitman, Adelina Beck and Sebastian Beck. She was predeceased by her husband of 53 years: Howard H. Blanchard in 2001. Funeral services and burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Rita’s name may be sent to Our Lady Immaculate Church, 192 School St., Athol, MA 01331 or to a charity of one’s choice. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com Mack Family Funeral Homes – Fiske-Murphy & Mack Chapel, 110 New Athol Rd., Orange is assisting with arrangements. Kevin J. Mack and Walter C. Taylor, Directors.