Patricia E. Blanchard

Patricia E. Blanchard passed away on Thanksgiving Day, November 23, 2023, while with family in Gretna, Louisiana. She was born on November 29, 1933, in Kansas City, MO to Walter and Celia Exendine.

Pat was raised in Dallas, Texas. She met Gilbert Blanchard, her husband of 67 years, soon after moving to New Orleans, LA.; for Pat it was love at first sight. They married and then raised their four children in a suburb of New Orleans. She worked as an Executive Assistant at Continental Can Company for ten years before moving on to help run Blanchard Construction Company for over 30 years. Pat also worked for the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau where she introduced many to the city she called home. She loved the unique culture of New Orleans along with its music, celebrations, and its rich history.  

After growing up as an only child, Pat was thrilled to be a mother of four children. She was dedicated to all her children’s many interests and activities. At home, Pat was an exceptional cook and loved to entertain. She welcomed many who didn’t have family in town to join in meals and celebrations at the Blanchard home. Pat was a devoted neighbor and friend and was considered as a second mom by several of her children’s friends. 

Pat came to faith in Christ as an adult and yearned to learn as much as she could about her newfound faith. She taught children’s Sunday school at Kenner Baptist Church, opened her home to host Young Life for many years, and she felt strongly about supporting missions that helped lead others to Christ.

Johnson City, TN became home to Pat and her husband after retiring there in 1996. During her 26 years in Johnson City, she enjoyed time with her family and especially the time spent helping with her two grandsons with special needs. Along with her husband, Thomas and Stewart were the loves of her life.

Patricia was preceded in death by her husband, Gilbert Blanchard, and her daughter, Carol Haines (Tom). She is survived by her son Gil Blanchard, Jr. (Julie) of Gretna, LA; daughter Cecile Huddleston (Tom) of Johnson City, TN; daughter Teresa Blanchard of Ashburn, VA; five grandchildren who affectionately called her Pat Pat, and two great grandchildren. 

In lieu of flowers, it was Pat’s wish that donations be sent to Brother’s Keeper, a nonprofit program for adults with special needs, in honor of her two grandsons and the many other adults with special needs in their community. Donations can be made online at www.BrothersKeeperTN.org or mailed to: Brother’s Keeper, P.O. Box 4101, Johnson City, TN 37602.

The Blanchard family would like to thank Hospice Compassus for their help and service to the family along with Marjorie Mendoza for her dedication, kindness and compassion in helping care for Pat. A Celebration of Life service will be held in Westlawn Cemetery in Gretna, Louisiana on January 27, 2024, at 11:00 am. Memories and condolences can be offered to the family at https://www.mothefunerals.com/obituaries.