Dorothy J. Blanchett

Dorothy Jean Blanchett

November 4, 1926 –June 21, 2021

Dorothy Jean Blanchett was born in Detroit, Michigan on Nov. 4, 1926 to Norman and Esther (Bergmoser) O’Neil.  After moving to Newport, Michigan at age thirteen, Dorothy continued her education at St. Charles Catholic School and attended high school at St. Mary Academy in Monroe, Michigan where she graduated in 1945.  

Dorothy married the love of her life, WWII United States Navy Veteran Howard Amos Blanchett on November 15, 1947 at St. Charles Catholic Church, Newport.  They had an exemplary marriage of 72 years.  Dorothy was an outstanding homemaker, mother and grandmother, taking great pride and interest in her family and their accomplishments.  She was greatly supportive of her husband’s success as a State Farm agent, enjoying their lavish travelling adventures at home and abroad.  Dorothy’s home exhibited her keen eye for interior design and fashion trends.  She created an outdoor oasis for entertaining around the pool each summer.  She entertained the family for countless birthday celebrations and holidays, especially Christmas Eve.  Dorothy had several recipes that she perfected and will never be outdone.  She lent a hand with her trim brush on several household painting projects, enjoyed gardening and feeding the birds.  She loved animals of all kinds and was known to spoil her pet dogs that she shared with her husband Howard.  Over the years, hobbies included listening to her large collection of music, dancing with her husband, roller skating, dining out and shopping excursions.  She was very supportive of local dance show productions and theater events.  She volunteered numerous hours at St. Charles School as a teacher’s aide for their Individualized Math Program and also Co-chaired the St. Charles Festival flea market.

Dorothy passed away at the age of 94 with the company of family members on June 21, 2021 at the IHM Health Care Center where she had resided for approximately five years.  Dorothy will be greatly missed by her four children and their spouses Edward Blanchett (Diana) of Newport, Sally Antaya (William) of Rochester Hills, Patrick Blanchett (Elizabeth Lynch) of Lansing, and Kellie Lajiness (Timothy) of Newport.  Her memory will also be greatly treasured by her grandchildren and their spouses Ty Blanchett (Nicole), Neil Blanchett (April), Ryan Blanchett (Stefania), Mandy Orlando (Tom), Cayla Overall (Kyle), Brett Antaya, Robert Antaya (Elena), Susan Antaya, Phillip Blanchett (Lori), Paul Blanchett (Pam), Kelsey Blanchett, Pete Blanchett, Bryce Lajiness, Monique Lajiness and 17 great-grandchildren with one on the way.  Dorothy was preceded in death by her devoted husband Howard, her parents, two siblings Betty Barron and Norman O’Neil Jr., and grandson Nolan Lajiness.

Funeral arrangements have been made through Rupp Funeral Home of Monroe, Michigan.  Funeral Visitation for Dorothy Blanchett will take place from 10:00-11:00 am at St. Charles Catholic Church, Newport Michigan on Saturday, June 26, 2021 followed by Mass of the Resurrection at 11:00 am, concelebrated by Monsignor Todd Lajiness and Fr. Henry Rebello.  Burial at St. Charles Cemetery to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to St. Charles Catholic Academy or Alzheimer’s Association of Michigan.

Online condolences to the family may be made through www.ruppfuneralhomeinc.com.