It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Marcia Joan Blanchard on March 4, 2022, at the McClure-Miller Respite House in Colchester, VT. Born to Gladys (Aussem) and Charles Blanchard in Albany, NY on Valentine's Day in 1933, Marcia's zest for life was forever embodied with hearts and flowers. Marcia spent the first 15 years of her adult life as Sr. Mary Helene, a Sister of Mercy, graduating from the College of St. Rose and teaching in the Albany area. Choosing to leave the convent in 1965, Marcia visited Vermont and never left her adopted state. She acquired a Masters Degree from the University of Vermont and taught 5th grade at Orchard School before working and volunteering at the UVM Medical Center for the last 30 years of her life. Marcia's quick wit and sense of humor endeared her to all. Loving to bring people together Marcia shared her cooking talents and hosted many gatherings for family and friends, making 92 Gazo Avenue a special place of sharing. Marcia had a special connection to Holy Cross Church for the last 40 years, particularly enjoying sharing her faith through the RCIA Program. We thank Fr. William Beaudin and the many parishioners who stayed in touch throughout Marcia's last year of declining health, especially Linda Stancil, Frank and Susan Connors, Ha Duong, and Fr. Roger Charbonneau. Left to share all the happy memories are her Vermont Family: Louise Rocheleau; Juliette and Ted Horton; Adam Horton; Aline and Patrick Leclaire; Paul, Erica, Lea and Elizabeth Rocheleau; and Amanda, Tyler, Alex and Helen Carr. While joining her lifelong friend, Lynne Womer, in Heaven, Marcia is survived by special friends, Donald Womer, Francine Amiot, and Matt and Lauren Womer. Surviving family members include her sister Jean (David) VanAmerongen and brother Michael Talbit, as well as nieces and nephews along the eastern coast from Glens Falls, NY to St. Petersburg, FL. A special thank you to Joan Reilly, Karen Carling and Kate Blanchard for their extra kindnesses to their Aunt Marcia over this past year. We are ever grateful to the multitude of North End friends and our Gazo Avenue Community for making it possible for Marcia to stay home until the last three days of her life. It could not have happened without all of you. A special thank you to Kathy Keenan (The Red Mitten Lady) who brought Marcia much joy with her daily visits. A Memorial Mass will be held in the summer at the convenience of her family. We appreciate the wonderful care Marcia received from UVM Home Health and Hospice and encourage donations to them or directly to the McClure-Miller Respite House.