Barbara M. Blanding

Barbara M. (Porcaro) Blanding, 77, of Worcester, passed away on Tuesday, December 26, 2017 at home, surrounded by her family.  Barbara is survived by her loving husband of fifty-eight years, Ed “Skip” Blanding; a son, Frank Blanding and his fiancé Maria Walker of Millbury; two daughters, Charlene Armendo and her husband Marty of Millbury, and Sherrie Blanding of Worcester; three sisters, Dorothy Kozolowski, Margaret Ferraro, and Elizabeth Fortin, all of Worcester; three grandchildren, Dean Blanding-Johanson, Kalie McAuliffe and her husband Nick, all of Worcester, and Adrianna Armendo of Millbury; her best friend, Eileen Lush of Worcester; many nieces and nephews.  Barbara was one of twelve children, born to the late Antonio and Assunta (Latrenta) Porcaro.  She lived in Shrewsbury as a child, later moving to Worcester.  She was predeceased by eight siblings, Jerry, James, Rocco, Arthur, and Alfred Porcaro, Rosie Walsh, Lena Dupre, and Anna Frascola. Barbara attended Shrewsbury High School and worked in retail for a short period of time.  She selflessly devoted her life to take care of her family.  She especially loved cooking, baking, and making her crafts for all to enjoy.  Her grandchildren put an EXTRA sparkle in her eye and she enjoyed spoiling them. She had a passion for watching the Red Sox and Patriots with her husband and spending time with her best friend Eileen in the screen house on those hot summer evenings.  Barbara will be dearly missed and loved always. Family and friends will gather to remember her life at Calling Hours on Tuesday, January 2, 2018, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester.  Her Funeral will be on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. in the funeral home, followed by a procession to Riverside Cemetery in Grafton. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association by visiting www. alz.org.