Dorothy A. (Rossetti) Blanchard, of Franklin, died June 5 peacefully in her home with her children at her side. She was the beloved wife of the late Frederick Blanchard who died in 2010. They shared a happy marriage for 61 years.
Born and raised in Franklin, the daughter of the late Folicardo and Maria Grace (Creasia) Rossetti, she was a lifelong Franklin resident.
She was a graduate of Franklin High School, class on 1943.
As a young teen, Mrs. Blanchard worked as a rag picker at the former American Felt Company and as a housekeeper at Franklin’s Home for the Indigent on Summer Street. After graduation, she was employed as a secretary at the former Kendall Mills in Walpole, it was there that she met her husband in 1947.
For over 50 years, until her retirement at the age of 81, Mrs. Blanchard worked at several area restaurants. Most recently for over 30 years at the former Speroni’s – Restaurant 45 in Medway.
An avid reader, Mrs. Blanchard also enjoyed gardening, walking and following national news.
She is survived by her children, Jeanne Blanchard, David Blanchard and his wife Dianne and Denise Blanchard all of Franklin.
She is also survived by her grandchildren, Susan Blanchard of Houston, Texas, Sharon Blanchard Greeson of Dartmouth, Daniel Blanchard and his wife Ashley of Southington, Connecticut and Kerri Blanchard of Boston.
She is also the great -grandmother of Jillian and Matthew Greeson of Dartmouth.
Dorothy is also survived by her sisters Josephine Greenwood of Franklin and Claire Fournier of Mansfield. She was the sister of the late James, Joseph, John, Henry, Nicholas and William Rossetti, Lee Elias, Phyllis Pagnini, Susan Menard, Eva Santoro and Anne Smith.
She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Her funeral mass will be celebrated on Thursday, June 8 in St. Mary’s Church, Church Square, Franklin at 10:00 a.m.
Burial will be in the parish cemetery.
Calling hours are omitted.
In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy may be made in her memory to the Friends of Franklin, 16 Corbin Street, Franklin, MA 02038 or the Catholic Charities of Boston, 275 West Broadway, Boston, MA 02127.
Arrangements are under the care of the Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin (www.ginleyfuneralhomes.com)