SOUTH PORTLAND – Eunice Lantz Blanchard passed peacefully on May 18, 2021 at Gosnell Hospice House in Scarborough.

Eunice was born the daughter of Fern Everett Lantz and Allison L. Lantz in Brewer on Dec. 18, 1928. She graduated from Brewer High School in 1946. During her high school years, she played violin with the Bangor Symphony Orchestra. Eunice attended the Eastern Maine Academy of Cosmetology in Bangor. She then owned and operated her own hair salon until she started her family.

In 1948 Eunice married Edward “Ned” Blanchard of Brewer. The couple resided in Brewer until 1960 when they moved their family to Lewiston. For many years she participated in classes and volunteered in programs offered by Maine Center for the Blind (The Iris Network) and the State of Maine Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired, assisting in their program “Resources for Independent Living”. Among other things she learned to use a white cane and became very proficient in braille. In 1981 she and Ned moved to South Portland where they made their home, spending winters at their Florida residence in Betmar Acres, Zephyrhills, Fla.

Visually impaired since birth, and eventually totally blind, Eunice never allowed her handicap to define her. Her independent spirit and determination enabled her to live a full life and enjoy a big circle of friends, knitting, gardening, her audio books and computer.

After Ned’s passing in 2013, her daughter Anne returned to Maine to care for her. She continued to reside in South Portland and winter in Florida until her passing, enjoying every opportunity to be with her beloved grandchildren.

Mrs. Blanchard is survived by daughters Brenda Delahanty of Cape Elizabeth and Anne Blanchard of Cheyenne, Wyo. She leaves five grandchildren, Jessica Andrews (JD Andrews) of Cheyenne, Wyo., Benjamin Delahanty (Danielle Delahanty) of Chestnut Hill, Mass., Sarah Delahanty of Dana Point, Calif., Dr. Abigail Delahanty of Windham, Lucas Delahanty of Brooklyn, N.Y.; four great-grandchildren, Ryan and Cole Delahanty, Emma and Morgan Andrews; and grand-poodle Milo.

A graveside ceremony and interment will be at Woodlawn Cemetery in Brewer this summer.

Arrangements entrusted to Hobbs Funeral Home, South Portland. Online condolences may be expressed at http://www.hobbsfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers donations in Eunice’s memory may be made to:

The Iris Network

189 Park Ave.

Portland, ME 04102

Hospice of Southern Maine

390 U.S. Route One

Scarborough, ME 04074

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