PRESQUE ISLE and EAST GRAND LAKE – Maxine (Rand) Blanchard, 88, died July 24, 2007, at The Aroostook Medical Center, Presque Isle. She was born Jan. 9, 1919, in Mars Hill, the daughter of Walter and Hazel (Esty) Rand. She lived most of her life in Mars Hill, spending her summers at her camp on East Grand Lake. In 1999, she moved to Presque Isle to be near her daughter and son. In 1937, she graduated from Aroostook Central Institute, Mars Hill, where she was named an all-state basketball player. This started her lifelong love of basketball. After high school, she trained at Banford Academy of Hairdressing, New York City. Then she worked on Long Island, N.Y., returning to Aroostook County to marry her childhood sweetheart, Russell Phillip “Bill” Blanchard, Sept. 7, 1941. She was a past member of Mars Hill Community Club, a member of Mars Hill United Methodist Church, and a member of United Methodist Women. Her interests included reading, solving crossword puzzles, working on arts and crafts, and attending her grandchildren’s basketball games. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband; her son, Randy Esty Blanchard; her sister and husband, Roma and Michael Dinda; and her nephew, Mike Dinda. Survivors include two daughters, Beth Blanchard of Presque Isle and Trudy Hodgdon and her husband, Tony, of Auburn; and one son, Brian Blanchard and his wife, Anne, of Fort Fair-field; three grandchildren, Jon, Brianna and Billi Lynn Blanchard; and a special friend, Frances Banks of Mars Hill. Visiting hours will be 4-7 p.m. Friday, July 27, at Duncan Funeral Home, Mars Hill. The funeral will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, July 28, at Mars Hill United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dan Blevens officiating. Committal will be after at Kings Grove Cemetery, Mars Hill. Friends who wish may make contributions in her memory to Mars Hill United Methodist Church, Mars Hill, ME 04758. Condolences may be expressed at wwwduncan-graves.com
MAXINE MAY (RAND) BLANCHARD
