Kristinna Lee Blanchard

Kristinna Blanchard, 55, passed away on April 1, 2024 surrounded by family and friends and her beloved cats. She was a creative soul, artist, and shared a love for her dogs, cats, as well as all the woodland creatures. Krissie was born on May 28, 1968 in Rochester, NY but set up roots in Albany, NY, Terlingua, Texas, and Monroe Virginia. She applied her love for children and young adults by pursuing her Master's of Education in special education towards teaching the alternative education program in Cohoes, NY. Kris was a creative, compassionate, artistic, independent soul who put this energy into all her interests. She once, as a child, was told to do something with her response being- "You are not the boss of me!" This remained her lifelong mantra! She and her brother Tom (Blanchard) grew up together sharing many experiences with their parents, step parents, and maternal grandparents, Na (Lorraine Whitcomb) and Bapa (William Whitcomb). Kris enjoyed hobbies such as gardening, canning, respect for the earth and environment, and swimming. She and her brother shared many experiences with Na and Bapa enjoying summer breakfasts under the umbrellaed table with the girls next door- Melanie, Amy, and Loree. Oftentimes there were Sunday drives in Bapa's Model T looking for wild strawberries or cherries. In addition to these shared activities she was exposed to, her mom (Kathy Whitcomb) helped hone her artistic side where she exhibited her talents for art through drawings, paintings, and photography. Her step dad (Mike Fouhy) brought attention to music which she carried throughout her life. She also shared skiing, bike rides, and beach time at the Cape with them. With her father Thomas (Blanchard-predeceased) who sparked her love of dogs and step mother Deborah (Dennis) who evoked a love for cats and talents of sewing and baking connections were planted. This later grew into Krissie's beautiful quilting and baking abilities. She baked the best carrot cake ever and a chocolate cake favored by her Bapa. Her beloved Alex, a German Shepherd dog mix, was her companion on her travels to Terlingua where she enjoyed the desert and awe of Big Bend National Park. Once grown and on her own she added more interests, knowledge of rocks and crystals from Dave and beekeeping and knowledge of honey from Tim. She embraced and cherished the role of big sister to Melissa (Fouhy-Mike Wnek) and Sam (Blanchard). With Sam she shared a common passion for photography and music. With Melissa she shared her ongoing sisterly advice. When Melissa grew to have children Krissie imparted her knowledge of rocks and crystals, which soon became a shared love with her nephew Cooper and her hand sewn treasures including the unicorn cape loved by her niece Mia. She crafted deep knowledge of plants and healing herbs, and shared and exchanged this with her friend Stuart. Her companion for helping others presented itself with her friend Stacey who she met working together at the community health clinic which evolved into a close friendship. In most recent times she shared gardening and canning, cooking and baking with her dearest friend Stanley; neither of them being shy of hard work and both willing to take on the challenges of a problem and finding a creative solution. She is also survived by her nephew Cooper (Wnek) and niece Mia (Wnek), her uncle Bill Whitcomb, his wife Tammie, and uncle Al, and his wife Nancy, aunt Jeanette, as well as several cousins. A private memorial service will be held by her families'. Donations can be made to any of the following in her name: Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, UVA Cardiac Unit, local animal shelters, or the ASPCA.