Joanne M. Blanchette, 65

Joanne M. (Bergeron) Blanchette, age 65, died peacefully Monday afternoon, March 25^th, at her Tewksbury home, in the loving care of her sisters.  She was the wife of the late James C. Blanchette, who died in 1999.

She was born in Manchester, NH, on March 2, 1948, one of three daughters of the late William and Helen (Smyth) Bergeron, and was raised in Lynn.  She was a member of Lynn English High School’s Class of 1966.  She lived in Lynn until the death of her husband when she moved to Tewksbury.  She was a communicant of St. William’s Church in Tewksbury.

She began her working career at Blue Cross Blue Shield in Boston, and went on to retire from EDS, (Electronic Data Systems) in Quincy, where she rose to the position of project manager.

She was an accomplished quilter and knitter, and had a passion for reading with her book club friends.  Her real joy was travel, and spending time relaxing at the beach.  She enjoyed many memorable years with her husband vacationing in Aruba with friends and family.  She also visited numerous countries around the world.  Joanne shared her passion for travel recently with her family, taking them to Alaska for a treasured family experience. 

She is survived by her two sisters and their spouses, Suzanne Hyde and her husband James, and Dianne Toland and her husband Jack all of Tewksbury; a nephew and three nieces, Jason Hyde and his wife Kelly of Nashua, NH, Jessica Hyde of Lowell, Erin Toland and Nicole Toland both of Tewksbury; two great nephews, Nathan and Patrick Hyde; and several dear friends.

Visiting hours are Monday, April 1, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.  in the Tewksbury Funeral Home, corner of 1 Dewey and 975 Main Sts. (Rte. 38) TEWKSBURY CENTER, phone (800 in MA or 978) 851 2950.  Her funeral will begin Tuesday, April 2, at 9:00 a.m. from the funeral home, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. in St. William’s Church, 1351 Main St. (Rte. 38) Tewksbury.  Following cremation, a private interment will be held at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Lynn.  Memorial gifts to the charity of donor’s choice will be appreciated.  tewksburyfuneralhome.com