Marie Blanchard, 88 died at the home of her daughter, Marlene Hanson on Wednesday, July 26 surrounded by loving family & clinging to her "old rugged cross". Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday July 28 at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church. Fr James Logan will officiate. Music will be provided by Gigi Plautz and the Parish Funeral Choir. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be her surviving brothers, sisters, and brother-in-laws. Visitation will be at the church from 10am until service time. Marie was born April 1, 1929 in Marshfield to John & Mary (Krohn) Fischer. She attended Manville Country School & St. John the Baptist Catholic School. She graduated from Marshfield High School in 1947. She married Robert Blanchard on May 1, 1950 and they resided in Marshfield. Bob died in 1998. Together they raised a brother (Bob) and a sister (Mary Jo) who became a part of their own family. In addition they were foster parents to 16 infants who were placed in the Blanchard home until they were adopted. Marie considered her career as a mom extremely important & didn't work until her kids were grown. She then worked at Marshfield Convalescent Center for 23 years until her retirement April 28, 1995. Her daughter and son-in-law Dave Hanson opened their home to Marie 5 years ago after Lewy Body Dementia took over Marie's active life. She truly loved her children, grandchildren, and her great grandson, and enjoyed reminiscing about their accomplishments. Her sense of humor and caregiving attitude shined thru even on the last days as she thanked everyone who cared for her. She hated the fact that she had gone from being the "caregiver" to being the one cared for. She is survived by her daughters Marlene Hanson of Marshfield, Janice Moen of Mosinee, and daughter-in-law Germaine Blanchard of Pittsville, and brother/son Bob (Mary) Fischer of Oconomowoc. Marie is further survived by her grandchildren: Ben Moen, Christopher Fischer, Lexi Fischer, Lisa Blanchard, and Autumn Moen, great-grandson Benji Moen, siblings: Florence Hoffman, Pat (Jerry) Pankratz, Jim (Jackie) Fischer, Joyce Vander Zanden, Karen (Jeff) Belk, Shirley Fischer, and sister-in-laws: Ann Fischer & Bonnie Fischer. Marie was predeceased by her parents, husband Bob in 1998, sons Frederick, Brian, and Ed, a son-in-law Dave Hanson, granddaughter Dawn, special sister/daughter Mary Jo Weinfurtner, and her siblings: Glen Fischer, Larry Fischer, Arlene Croell, and Lu Mellenthin. She was also predeceased by brother-in-laws: Jack Croel, Lawrence Hoffman, Ray Vander Zanden, and Arnold Mellenthin The family would like to thank Mary Young, Dawn High, Missy High, & Doug Seubert for the kind and gentle care given to our mom. Special thanks to Catherine Voight who guided us along mom's journey. With their assistance we were able to fulfill mom's decision of being at home until she got her angel wings. The family will designate a memorial at a later date. Condolences may be sent online to www.rembsfh.com