Lucy Ann Blanchard, 88, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family, on December 22, 2020 in Idaho.  During her life, she was known for her love of family, her artistic and decorating talent, her skill in growing beautiful flowers, her collections of antique Christmas ornaments and toys, and her love of nature in all its forms. She lived a long and happy life and left a legacy of love.

Ann (Lucy) was born on May 30, 1932 to Bryan H. and Marion A. Wilburn in Chicago Illinois.

In 1937 the Wilburns moved to Port Washington. In 1950 she graduated from Port Washington High School in Wisconsin.  She attended Beloit College where she met her future husband, Charles J. Blanchard.  They eloped on October 22, 1953.  Their college education was interrupted when Chuck was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War.  Following Chuck’s service, they returned to Beloit College where Ann received her Bachelor of History in 1956.

Ann was a homemaker raising their five children, Becky, Scott, Sandy, Mary, and Stuart.  She spent many hours shuttling the children to swim practice, football and baseball. Her passion for gardening was evident in her yearly fabulous display of flowers and yard during the blooming months.  In 1968 after her Aunt Francis passed away, she assumed the position of Village Clerk for Barrington Hills, IL, a position she held until 1978 at which time they moved to the dream house she and Chuck built in Port Washington, WI.

Ann and Chuck were avid antique dealers and enjoyed building their business together.  They also enjoyed traveling; a cruise through South America, New Zealand, Australia, Hawaii, Spain and Alaska.  They also spent family vacations driving throughout the U.S. and were marked on a wall map with pins showing their travel.  They spent time sailing in the Caribbean with her brothers (Bryan and Bruce) and their wives.  Later years, they spent winters in Ft. Myers, FL and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico to escape the harsh winters of Wisconsin.  Ann enjoyed her wine club and her book club “Ladies of the Lake”.

Because Ann and Chuck eloped, on October 22, 2003 their children helped them celebrate their 50th Anniversary with a surprise wedding and a reception at The American Club, one of their favorite places.  On October 22, 2019, they celebrated their 66th.  A sign of their love and devotion to each other can be summed up by a card Chuck gave to Ann which she always kept in her wallet.

“What is a Soul Mate? If you have found a smile that is the sweetest you’ve known. If you have heard, within a voice, the echoes of your own. If you have felt a touch that stirs the longings of your heart, and can still feel that closeness in the moments you’re apart. If you have filled with wonder at the way two lives can blend, to weave a perfect pattern that is seamless, end to end, if you believe some things in life are simply meant to be. Then you have found your soul mate, your heart’s own destiny.” – Emily Matthews

Ann is preceded in death by her loving husband, Chuck, her parents Bryan and Marion Wilburn, her brother Brian Wilburn, and grandson John Kist.

Ann is survived by her children, Becky Herro, Scott (Lori) Blanchard, Sandra (Larry) Burmesch, Mary Howell, and Stuart Blanchard.

She is also survived by grandchildren, Tracy Trolio, Terrah Soto, Monica Trolio, Jenny (Jeremy) Peirsol, Katelyn (Scott) Ralsey, Amy (Zach) Blanchard, Nick (Rachel) Howell, Alex Howell, Brielle and Reese Blanchard, great grandchildren, Hannah and Ellie Soto, Ashlynn and Chloe Peirsol, Aiden Chrzanowski and Andrew Norman, her brother Bruce (Karen) Wilburn, her sisters Linda Wilburn and Dottie (Jack) Blanchard, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to National Kidney Foundation, www.nkfcares@kidney.org.

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4 Comments

  1. After our family left port Washington I very much missed Ann and Chuck… sadly only being able to visit them twice as the years quickly passed… miss your chickie and your wonderful Kids I grew up with

    You were a beautiful soul indeed

    Christin ( Brian Wilburn’s daughter)

  2. What a joy it was to know your mom and dad and share a friendship. It started as being their Realtor and after 13 transactions with the family I began to feel like family. Ann was always so kind to me and someone I came to adore as we shared our love of antiques and flowers. She, and Chuck, are truly missed in my heart. I remember how very thrilled she was with you, her children, giving them their “second wedding”. I feel very blessed to have been able to share a part of life with them.

  3. beautiful. thanks

  4. A lovely Lady, a charming person; I hope I can get in Ann’s pastry line in the sky, with Chuck serving the soup and wine!

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