Blanchette, Mary Jo's Obituary
Mary Jo Unger Blanchette, 86, went home to be with the Lord peacefully on January 21, 2025. She was born in Hamilton County, Ohio on July 15, 1938, to Hubert and Elda Jewell, the second of eight children.
Growing up in a family of eight children, the family was always involved in church – especially music. She continued her love of music by singing with the group at her retirement community for the past seven years.
Her love of sports was well known – she rooted for the Bucs, Lightning, Rays, Ohio State, never missing a game and keeping up with all the stats! Golf, soccer, tennis – she loved it all. Going to her grands and great grand’s soccer and baseball games was always a joy for her.
Her competitive nature was also seen in her pinochle playing whether in her community or around her kitchen table. We all learned quickly to pay attention and keep it moving!
She became a nurse at 52 years of age after caring for her mother-in-law with Alzheimer’s for many years. Her dedication to both her profession and patients was admired by many.
Mary Jo was a woman who loved the Lord, her family, her church and her friends fiercely. She was outspoken and animated as she made sure you knew who Jesus is as she adamantly insisted that you come to church with her. Many took her up on this offer and still attend Victory Baptist today.
Preceded in death by her mom, Elda Jewell Mann; dad, Hubert Jewell; sister, Shirley Gallimore; brother, Jim Jewell; husband and father of her children, Richard Unger; husband of 25 years, Gary Blanchette; and stepdaughter, Kathryn Thompson.
Survived by sisters - Virginia Lindsey, Jane Menke, Kathy Hopwood, Rita Hall and Christine Van Horn; children – Anita Unger Blanchette, Richard H. Unger, stepchildren – Steven Blanchette, Penny Lucia, John Blanchette & Renee’ Durochia, and Adam Thompson, grandchildren – Justin Blanchette, Jessica Williams, Elizabeth Crabtree, Nicholas Blanchette, Alexis Blanchette, Aaron Unger, Jeremy Morrill, Jared, Jordan and Jasmine Martin, Sheridan, Bella and Conner Durochia and great grandchildren – Miles and Lincoln Williams.
Celebration of Life to be held at Victory Baptist Church on February 6th, 2025, at 1:00 pm
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