CHICOPEE – Bertha E. (Oakland) Blanchard, 95, a longtime resident of Chicopee, was Called Safely Home on Friday, July 1, 2016. She passed into Eternal Life at Willimansett Center East in Chicopee surrounded by all the memories she loved and cherished. She was born at home on Center Street in Chicopee on September 16, 1920, a beloved daughter of the late William H. and Emma (Laporte) Oakland. She was raised in Chicopee, graduated from local schools and was a lifelong resident of the city. She served her country in the United States Army during World War II and attained the rank of Sergeant. She received the American Service Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. She was a member of the American Legion Post 275 and a communicant of Sainte Rose de Lima Church, both in Chicopee. She was predeceased by her beloved husband and best friend, Maurice J. Blanchard who was Called Home on March 17, 2014. They were married on April 24, 1948 at the former Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Chicopee and were blessed with over 65 years of happiness together. Besides her parents and her husband, she was also predeceased by her loving son, Thomas M. Blanchard who was Called Home on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2004. She leaves her loving son, Lawrence P. Blanchard and his wife, Phyllis, of Carroll, IA; her two cherished grandchildren, Joseph Blanchard and his wife, Heather, and Laura Frost; her two cherished great-grandchildren, Charles and Benjamin Frost; her dear brother-in-law, Louis A. Blanchard of Mechanicsburg, PA; her dear sister-in-law, Joyce Blanchard of Chicopee; and her many dear nephews, nieces, cousins, friends and extended members of the Blanchard and Oakland families. Her relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, July 12, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at Sainte Rose de Lima Church, 600 Grattan Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. Her burial will follow the Mass at Saint Patrick Cemetery, 168 Fuller Road, Chicopee, MA 01020. There are no visiting hours at the St. Pierre – Phaneuf Aldenville Chapels, (413-532-9806), 13 Dale Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. Her family has requested that memorial donations be made in her memory to the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke, 110 Cherry Street, Holyoke, MA 01040. For more details, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com