Shirley Mae Blanchard, born March 20, 1929, to the late Eutice and Dilta Leblanc, passed away peacefully at home on January 31, 2025. She was a beloved sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother, aunt, along with numerous other family and friends whose love and warmth will forever remain in our hearts.
Shirley was a woman of many talents, known for her soft yet hard-working hands and her generous heart. A masterful cook, she delighted family and friends with her famous mac ‘n cheese, green beans, chicken vermicelli, and her legendary roast with rice and gravy. Her countertops were always filled with sweets, including her millionaires, fruitcakes, cookies, “Mrs. Lee’s” chocolate cake, lemon jelly rolls, and chocolate chip cookies. No family gathering was complete without her gumbo or her signature frozen daiquiris and cherries.
Beyond the kitchen, Shirley was a gifted crafter, creating Santas from Reader’s Digest books, beautifully embroidered tablecloths, baby blankets, pillowcases, and latch hook rugs. Her creativity and generosity extended to her church, where she was a dedicated member of the Altar Society and the bereavement committee. She donated her talents to St. Joseph’s Church festivals, helped at bingo games, and served lunch in the cafeteria. Despite her busy schedule, she never missed preparing a hot supper at 5:00 PM for her beloved husband, Stanley—a meal no one wanted to miss.
A devoted and God-fearing Catholic, Shirley instilled the importance of prayer in her family, reciting the Rosary daily and attending Mass every Sunday until Saturday Mass became available. Sundays became a time for cooking for her large and loving family, which grew to include 27 people or more. She always welcomed everyone with open arms, encouraging them to serve themselves and never leave hungry.
Shirley adored her grandchildren, always ready for sleepovers, playtime, and outings to church followed by a treat at Wyatt’s, Luby’s, or Taco Bell. Her love was boundless, and every little one was greeted with a kiss, a hug, and, of course, some candy. When she had time to herself, she enjoyed word puzzles, reading, and spending time with friends playing cards or visiting “The Boat” and Delta Downs—always with a Seagram’s & 7-Up in hand.
Her love story with Stanley began over fried bologna and pork and beans, shared with the friend who introduced them. That simple meal led to a long and loving marriage filled with devotion and family. When she was no longer able to cook, she was grateful for her second son, Ronnie, who lovingly took over the kitchen, carrying on her legacy with meals that were “almost as good” as hers.
We are all deeply thankful for the 95 beautiful years God blessed us with Shirley. Though we mourn her passing, we find comfort in knowing that Mary, the Angels, and Saints welcomed her with open arms. Her sweet smile, loving heart, and the comforting scents of her kitchen will live on in our memories forever. We love you, Maw Maw—save a place for us.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful caretakers who provided such loving care to Maw Maw in her final years. A special thank you to Father Jim McClintock, whose visit and prayers brought her great joy and peace.
Rest in love, Shirley Mae Blanchard. You will be dearly missed but never forgotten.
