Patricia Ann Blanchard

Patricia Ann Blanchard, lovingly known as “Trisha,” passed away peacefully at her home in Windham, Maine, on July 12, 2026, surrounded by her beloved family. She was 79.

Born on April 19, 1947, in Boston, Massachusetts, Patricia was the daughter of James and Anna MacDonald.

A 1965 graduate of South Portland High School, she earned her teaching degree from Saint Joseph’s College in 1969. That same year, she married the love of her life, David R. Blanchard, beginning a devoted partnership that spanned 57 years.

Patricia dedicated more than 40 years to teaching. She began her career in the South Portland School District before joining the Windham School Department in 1982, where she taught at Manchester School and later the Middle School. Known for her patience, kindness, and unwavering belief in every child, she left a lasting impact on generations of students.

Trisha found joy in traveling with David, taking 28 cruises and visiting destinations throughout Europe, the Caribbean, and Alaska. She loved boating on Sebago Lake, tending to her flower gardens, reading, knitting, quilting, playing Bunco, and spending time with her lifelong friends.

Her greatest joy was her family, especially her beloved grandchildren, affectionately known as her “grands.” She treasured every opportunity to care for them, cheer them on, and create lasting memories.

She volunteered with the Backpack Program, helping provide food and essential items to students in the Windham school system, reflecting her lifelong commitment to serving others.

Even in the face of life’s greatest challenges, Trisha met each day with remarkable strength, courage, and grace. She rarely complained and always put others before herself, inspiring those around her with her kindness and selflessness.

Patricia was predeceased by her parents and her brother, James MacDonald of Sebago, Maine.

She is survived by her devoted husband, David; her children, David and wife Kristin, Kathryn, Matthew and wife Deanna; her six cherished grandchildren, Cooper, Anna, Emma, Haley, Bodhi and Briggs; her sister, Ellen F. Broy of Scarborough, Maine; her brother, Philip E. MacDonald of Quincy, Massachusetts; her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; many nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends; and her faithful Goldendoodle, Fluff.

A celebration of Patricia's life will be held on Friday, July 24, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Hobbs Funeral Home in South Portland. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, July 25, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church. A reception will follow the Mass.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages acts of kindness in Patricia's memory, honoring the compassion and generosity she shared so freely throughout her life.