I remember Blanche's cheerfulness and enthusiasm starting early in my childhood. She was always a pleasure to be around. I remember her teaching me in the studio in her house and I have one of her paintings. I remember her cooking and music. I will miss her and I offer my sincere condolences to her family.

I met Blanche through Tom and Angie, my Neighbor at the time.
I was so impressed with her art which was displayed through out Tom and Angies house. Blanche would humbly describe the essense of every painting,  her personality would shine through them all.
A vibrant, sweet and beautiful woman, very young at heart. A mom is the button who holds it all together, Blanche has gone to serve in a different capacity, may she Rest In Peace ❤️
My deepest condolences to Tom and his family ❤️
Fondly, Joy and family

Blanche, or "Aunt Minnie" as I used to call her, was truly inspiring. Her kindness, thoughtfulness and sense of humor made her a joy to be around. My deepest sympathies to her whole family.

Dear Jane, Joe, Tom, Bernie, and Greg, words can’t express the depths of my sympathy and love I have for your mom. I often bragged about this inspiring lady I called “my second mom” who taught art for many decades well into her nineties.

Blanche taught people to see light. She could show you the cadmium red, cerulean blue, maybe the yellow ochre, and many other colors that were in the light. She perfected the light in her rich and beautiful paintings. But she was also a loving mother, wife, grandmother, sister, cousin, aunt, and friend. and that’s where her light shines very brightly. That’s where she was not a perfectionist because she knew that perfection takes time, so she just loved everyone where they were. She did it with faith, inspiration, and extra doses of humor. 

Sometimes a rare individual comes along who really knows how to see beauty, and how to create beauty. You’d think someone like that had her head in the clouds, but Blanche not only raised a large family, she still had plenty to give to so many others. I’m one of those others who was incredibly fortunate to hang out in her light. I was like a fly on the wall in the Kirchner house – it was so convenient for me to skip through the backyard and hang out there, which I often did. Jane and I were probably the least of our parents’ troubles (not naming anybody!), but we could be a handful too. Nevertheless, she treated me like one of her own, going on errands, spending the night, going to the beach, going to church (“put a tissue on your head, Chrissy”). She planned ice cream socials for us, and teas and picnics and sing-alongs. This type of simple celebration lasted until her very last days; even the pandemic didn’t stop her as she continued to teach, adjusting to the new situation. All these years she kind of tricked me into believing that having so much love of life and being that generous was a normal thing.

Rest in peace, dear Blanche.


In June 2019, following a request from Ms. Blanche’s art students, Betty Marie Fields and Miriam Doehnert, to schedule a meeting with the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall’s commander, I met this wonderful, beautiful and articulate woman who expressed her memories and photos during her WWII employment at Fort Myer. We all enjoyed photos of distinguished visitors, office team members, and to the delight of all attending, provided interesting facts about life during war time, which our public affairs office captured in a post meeting news article, now a treasured part of our history. During an auto tour of the Base, the exact building where Blanche worked was located and we ended Blanche’s meeting with lunch at Patton Hall with command staff and many of Blanche’s art students. Thank you, Blanche, for a most memorable day! 
May you Rest In Peace! 
Marcia O’Connor
Army Community Service Volunteer Association, Vice-President

Blanche. One of my favorite people of all times. Leaving marks so strong one that we will never ever forget her. Loving, Wise, Humble, Loyal, Compassionate, Determined, Progressive, and never without Humor. Always a great story teller, teacher of life’s lessons, and the Life of the Party. A Teacher, a Friend, and truly an example to us all as to how to live life, and live it well through the many arts of life. Not a day goes by that I do not think about her and miss her. She will always live through her paintings - especially her french Ladies. She Missed her Vinny, and once noted that  from the day they met he gave her Valentines every single year, and she saved every single one,  and she put them around her house every Valentine’s Day and he was still there with her. Conversations of Toccoa Ga  and Tallulah Gorge. Loathing green, and her amazing  teaching ability  and her artistic impact  though wit and humor. What a great human being and mentor she was. Blanche- a fememine name that means “WHITE” in FRENCH! Derived from Blancus. Ironic given she loved painting French Ladies with Light. A teacher of life til the very end. I feel so lucky and blessed to have known her. Sending thoughts and prayers and love to her entire family  that she adored so. Godspeed. 

Some people are blessed with talents. Blanche was certainly an accomplished artist with an ability to inspire others. However, I believe her greatest gift was her ability to make you feel loved and appreciated. She has touched our lives in so many ways and will never be forgotten.

Blanche was a beautiful, smiling fixture in our neighborhood;  our back yards adjoined.  I remember her of course for her art, she was a talented artist, and a generous and loving person.  I took several classes with her in my early 20's.  But the thing I remember her most for was her strong and compassionate friendship with my mother, Sarah Radcliffe.  Mom loved her.  May she rest in peace. And may they laugh together again.

Blanche was my godmother. I admired the way she lived her faith by, among other things, treating people with kindness and patience, and pursuing her vocation as an artist with such dedication. She was a witty and charming person as well, and will be greatly missed. RIP.

My Aunt Blanche was not only a very talented artist. She was a loving and kind lady. She will be greatly missed. 
Sincere condolences to  her family .
May you find comfort in fond memories of your Mom.

Aunt Blanche was a beautiful woman and so kind to me and my family. She will be missed by so many and I pray her family will find solace in the memories they have. 

On behalf of the (now dissolved)  Advisory Committee from the now closed Lee Senior Center,  we  send condolances to Blanch's family. Blanche was an integral member of our Lee family. 

Blanche was a "GEM."  A true one of Life's Treasures!

Blanche was my Mentor, Teacher and a Wonderful, Loving Friend.  She gave me and countless others a love and passion for art.  She made art FUN and was always gracious, positive  and kind with her evaluations.  

We loved compiling the "Blancheisms."   Her Monday art class wrote down her numerous witty comments she would make  in class and compiled a list for her as a gift.  She was delighted and laughed out loud.

She had a tremendous art talent, wit,  grace and charm about her.  I'm now sharing that love of art with my family and friends.

Blanche was extremely proud of her family and we were lucky enough to meet some of them over the years.  I was glad to meet and get to know Jane.  She is a Wonderful and Loving Daughter.

We all enjoyed the family stories and adventures Blanche would share with us in class.  Her family was really special to her!

Blanche will be sorely missed by family and friends. There will be a huge void in my life and the lives of many others.

Rest in Peace my Dear, Loving Friend.  Becki Dodd


She was such a dear cousin and beautiful person. I will never forget her kindness.

Blanche was always extremely kind to me and my family, and we loved her.  May God rest her soul and send comfort to those she leaves behind.  Cecile (Duncan) Folan


Love, peace, joy and hope.  Carey (Duncan) Hess    Blanche will always be dear to my heart; she was a very special lady.


Blanche was a very special person who warmly welcomed my family to the neighbor back in late 1986.  Over the years, we became good friends and I will miss our candid conversations on a wide range of topics but most important, talking about our respective families.  She will be missed and our sincere condolences go out to the Kirchner Family.  Respectfully,  John O'Hara

OBITUARY

Blanche M. Kirchner

May 5, 1922 – April 14, 2021

Murphy Funeral Homes

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