Sandra Caroline Blanchard

Blanchard.

Sandy passed away surrounded by family on February 25, 2025, at the age of 79. We are grateful that she is now frolicking in the woods without earthly bonds to confine her.

Sandy was born to Wilfred A. and Lillie Pearl (Johnson) Cheshier on December 24, 1945, in Yakima, Washington. She was the youngest of 20 siblings. All preceded her in death, except her loving sister, Laura “Tot” Riebe, of Yakima. Sandy lived with various sisters and their families after losing her parents at a young age. She lived with Tot and her late husband, Fred, and their family during high school. She developed close, sibling-like relationships with the nieces and nephews with whom she lived.

Sandy graduated from St. Joseph Marquette Catholic High School in 1964. She married Jerry Dean Blanchard at St. Joseph Catholic Church on July 30, 1966.

Sandy wore many hats during her life: nurses aid, waitress, seamstress (even making Karen’s wedding gown and bridesmaid dresses). She was most proud of being the owner of Pine Mountain Canvas Products, sewing wall tents, tipis, and other custom outdoor gear from her shop in the Nile. She beat breast cancer in the late 1990’s, and the business gave her something positive into which she poured her creativity and energy.

Sandy was a loving and supportive military wife, devoted Mom and Nana, and thoughtful friend. She steadfastly supported Jerry when he made career changes. Sandy had a close relationship with Jerry’s parents, the late Alice and Gene Blanchard. She found it comforting having two additional parental figures in the lives of her and her children. Also preceding her in death were brothers-in-law Bruce Blanchard and David Blanchard.

Sandy encouraged her daughters to follow their dreams, and to be confident that they could accomplish anything to which they set their minds. Sandy and Jerry worked hard to support their kids. Sandy ensured her girls could read before they started kindergarten. Frequent bike rides to the library and Lion’s Pool happened every summer. She volunteered in classrooms throughout her daughters’ education. Sandy and Jerry worked long hours, yet always made time to attend the kids’ sporting, arts and school events. They fostered a sense of adventure and encouraged new hobbies. The girls appreciated being given the freedom to follow their own path regarding religion when they were in middle school. The stunning Pacific Northwest outdoors was a core element in the lives of Sandy’s family of four. Fishing, hiking, and camping were year-round activities. Jeeping in the mountains, Sandy would only get out and walk up the steepest hills and gnarliest rocks, when the path was too rough for her. This demonstrated to her girls that it’s healthy to face scary things, ultimately broadening one’s horizons.

Sandy masterfully managed the family budget to accommodate travel by finding creative ways to boost experiences on a shoestring. Exploring the hustle and bustle of downtown Seattle was always an eagerly anticipated trip. She took her elementary school-age girls to ride the monorail to Seattle Center. Zooming skyward in shiny elevators to be among the clouds on the top floors of tall buildings sparked imaginations. Another favorite: going to Sea-Tac airport to ride the tram and watch airplanes. No trip to the Emerald City was complete without visiting Woodland Park Zoo. Trips to Oregon and Idaho were frequent, too. Journeys to California, Ohio, Gettysburg, and Washington, DC, in the 2000s and 2010s tested Sandy and Jerry’s patience and stamina, but lifelong memories were made. While most content close to home, Sandy supported her daughters’ longing for travel and adventure. She enjoyed hearing stories and seeing pictures afterward.

Growing up in such a large family, Sandy rarely cooked food in small-family volumes. Chili, potato salad, breads, pies and cookies were her go-to recipes. She shared the fruits of her labor with family and friends, feeling pleased and proud when people enjoyed her creations. She feigned indignation when Karen traded home baked cinnamon rolls at school for store bought treats just to try something different. Sandy never let her live it down.

Sandy’s four grandchildren benefited from their Nana’s unconditional love, practical life skills, encouragement, and generosity. Her consistency in ensuring she was an ever-present force in their lives crucially contributed to the individuals they are. Nana helped emotionally and financially. She built strong relationships with each of her grandchildren by trusting them to make decisions, keeping their confidence when they had secrets to share, and offering sage advice. Nana was a soft place where the kids could always land. She loved cuddling up with the kids, watching movies together on her bed, baking, singing and dancing around the house, and working in her shop, listening to oldies like the Beach Boys.

Nana carried on the traditions that she started with Karen and Sherry, sewing dresses for special occasions and holidays. Nana and Pa took their grandkids on lots of trips like camping, visiting Aunt Karen, family in California and on the coast.

Nana always made sure she had a constant supply of each of her grandkid’s favorite foods. Her kitchen was always stocked with Oreo’s, Sunny-D, ice cream and a variety of toppings and cones. Her home became known as the place her kids and grandkids could “shop” for groceries to stretch their budgets when they were starting out. Sandy was also generous with recipes and constant how-tos.

Sandy was a firecracker. She had the gift of gab and relished verbal sparring, saying, “You can’t out bullsh*t a bullsh*tter!” Known for her stubbornness, she epitomized irresistible force meets immovable object.

A Celebration of Life remembrance and cookout for our Princess of the Forest will be held Saturday June 21, 2025, at the couple’s property in the Nile. They loved entertaining there over the years. Sometimes people even camped out overnight to keep the fun rolling. Sandy would make everybody breakfast the morning after, so they left with full bellies and warm hearts.

Sandy is survived by Jerry, her husband of almost 59 years (and her friend since the age of 13); daughters Karen Blanchard (Mark) of Memphis, TN; and Sherry Blanchard of the Nile. Sandy doted on her four grandchildren: Ali “Gator” (Tyler) Blanchard-Blore of Ellensburg; Morgan Hunt of Roseburg, OR; and Rylee Jean and Tallis Dean Blanchard of the Nile. Sandy is also survived by sisters-in-law Marilyn Blanchard and Connie Blanchard of Yakima, and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Special recognition and gratitude are due to Sherry for her tireless caregiving during Sandy’s many health challenges in recent years. Sherry’s efforts – coupled with her mother’s tenacity – overcame many obstacles thought impossible. The last fence was just too high to climb. It is with great respect, humility and fond proudness Sherry repays her parents with the promise to allow them to remain at their home to enjoy the oasis they spent decades building.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice.

Langevin El Paraiso Funeral Home of Yakima is managing arrangements.

We’ll post updates about Sandy’s celebration as plans come together for the June 21 event.

A Celebration Of Life will take place on SATURDAY, JUNE 21 at 12:30 at

6791 STATE ROUTE 410, NACHES WA 98937

REMEMBERING SANDY At 1:15 POTLUCK COOKOUT

We'll provide burgers, dogs, and beverages.

Please bring a snack, side or sweets to share. BYOB.

Consider wearing yellow: Sandy's favorite color.

ADA-accessible restroom available.

Questions / RSVP by June 1: Karen @ 208.891.7683 | [email protected]