Katrina Leah Blanchard

Katrina Leah Blanchard, 31 of Oakham passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, December 14, 2016. Katrina was raised in Oakham, attended Quabbin Regional High School and graduated with the class of 2003. She attended the University of Maine in Farmington, graduating in 2007 with a Bachelors degree in Art. Katrina was a shining star whose light filled the room wherever she was present. She was truly a free spirit and she lived life to the fullest during her short time here with us. She drove across country several times and attended many events.  She made her home in several states along the way experiencing many new adventures.         Katrina was extremely intelligent and she made the most of her talents. During her time in New Orleans she worked as a Bartender on Bourbon Street at the Tropical Isle, where she stood out amongst her peers and eventually was in charge of the daily operations. She also worked as a logistical coordinator in New Jersey helping to organize and plan major events. She was most talented as an artist. She also shared a love of hot rods along with her parents; together they would attend classic car meets and work on restoring their own classics. She also enjoyed four wheeling and being outdoors. She loved her dog Baby and her cats Nathan and Kathleen. Katrina’s enormous heart is what she most will be remembered for. She was truly a selfless person and helping those less fortunate, especially the homeless which brought her the greatest satisfaction. She truly believed in helping her fellow man when they most needed help .Katrina will be forever missed by those who were blessed to have had the opportunity to be in her company, but her memory and spirit lives on through those that knew her. Katrina leaves behind her parents Mark R. and Karen M. (Houlihan) Blanchard of Oakham; her grandmother, Carol E. Laflash; her two aunts, Cheryl Houlihan , Ann Marie Maros and her Husband Joseph; and her uncle, Daniel Blanchard, along with a very large extended family and many loving friends. Calling Hours will be held on Monday December 19, 2106 from 4pm to 7 pm at MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME 370 Plantation street Worcester Ma. A celebration of life will be held for Katrina at 10:00 am on Tuesday, December 20, 2016 at MERCADANTE, followed by a funeral procession to South Cemetery in Oakham for final committal. Katrina’s family requests that in lieu flowers donations may be made to: Abby’s House 52 High St. Worcester Ma. http://www.abbyshouse.org  Please visit Katrina’s guestbook at www. mercadantefuneral.com to share your memories and condolences.