Betty Jane "BJ" Blanchard, age 94, passed away November 7, 2022, at her home surrounded by family in Painesville.  She was born March 12, 1928, in Morris Run, Pennsylvania to Thomas and Margaret (Lewis) MacBlane.

Betty is survived by her daughter, Debra Remington of Painesville; grandchildren, Sara Remington (Marcelino) and Adam (Amal) Remington; several nieces and nephews; and her beloved companion dog, Tessa.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Blanchard; her parents; sister, Marian Lamberson; brothers, Thomas MacBlane, James MacBlane and Lewis MacBlane.

Betty attended Mansfield College but left to enter the Dermal Way School of Beauty Culture.  She later had her own salon in Elmira for 24 years. While in Elmira she was active in her church and volunteered as the theatrical makeup artist for Elmira Little Theater.  She enjoyed skiing with her family and friends, summering at Keuka Lake and entertaining family and friends. In 1980, she and her husband moved to Hyannis, Cape Cod where she enjoyed spending time by the ocean, volunteered at the Melody Tent and took painting lessons. In 1987 they moved to Painesville to be close to their daughter and grandchildren.  While residing in Painesville, she spearheaded the Citizen's Task Force for Painesville where she served as the chairperson for several years helping to address mental illness and the homeless.  She served on the Extended Housing Board for 15 years and was then named an emeritus board member.  Her real passion was serving as a State of Ohio Long Term Care Ombudsman.  For over 25 years she became the advocate for those in nursing homes in the Lake County area, bringing a quality of life and care to the elderly.

For Betty's unwavering commitment to the community, she received a Hidden Hero 2012 Women of Achievement Award through the Lakeland Community College's Women's Center.  She was also the first person to receive the AARP State of Ohio Andrus Award for community service in 2017.

Betty was a strong supporter of Lake Erie College and served as their Parent's Club chair for several years and assisted with the Lake Erie College Antique Shows and Mathews House fundraisers.

The loved she shared with her family was unparalleled and her leadership, integrity, and commitment to those in need was an outstanding example to us all.   Her last weeks of life were spent at home with cared for by her daughter and surrounded by her grandchildren.  Hospice of the Western Reserve provided outstanding support in Betty's final days.

A private burial will take place at a later at the Woodlawn Cemetery, Elmira, New York.  For those who wish, the family suggests donations to Lake Erie College or Hospice of the Western Reserve in Betty's memory.

Hospice of the Western Reserve
P O Box 72101, Cleveland OH 44192

Lake Erie College
391 West Washington Street, Painesville OH 44077