Maria (Lopriore) Blanchard

Maria J. “Dolly” Blanchard, 85, longtime Shrewsbury resident passed away peacefully with family gathered at her bedside Monday, November 14th, 2016.  Maria, a daughter of Vincenzo and Isabelle (Cavalieri) Lopriore, was born in Worcester and graduated from Sacred Heart Academy.   In 1952, Maria married Henry “Hank” Blanchard and together they began 49 years of   love and devotion.  Forty of those years they lived in Shrewsbury together until Hank passed away in June of 2001.  Maria continued to live in the family home until moving to Worcester one year ago.  Maria began her employed years with the Astra Pharmaceutical Company.  She then accepted a position with the Wyman-Gordon Company before becoming a housekeeper and cook for St Mary’s Church and St Columba’s Church before retiring.   Dolly is survived by her son, Emile Blanchard and his wife Kathleen whom she considered a daughter; five brothers, Anthony Lopriore of Indianapolis, Michael and Domenic Lopriore of Florida, Michael and Emanuel Tortorelli both of Worcester; three sisters, Maria DeJoy and Lorenza Everson both of New York, Rose Marzi  of Colleferro, Italy; two granddaughters, Nicole Eldridge and her husband Samuel of Framingham, Natalie Smith and her husband Kaleb of Shrewsbury.   Three great-grandchildren, Logan and Sydney Smith and Owen Eldridge.  Many nieces, nephews, and extended family members, especially the Bird family, who she adopted as her own.  A sister, Corinda (Tortorelli) Powers pre deceased her. Maria was a member of St Anne’s Church and a former member of its Women’s guild.  She enjoyed Bingo, family holidays, watching old movies and special occasions.  Friends and family are invited to calling hours Thursday, November 17th from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St.  Her funeral will be held Friday, November 18th from the funeral home with a procession to the Church of Saint Anne, 130 Boston Turnpike Road, Shrewsbury where her celebration of life mass will be held at 10:00 am.  Burial next to her husband will follow in Mt View Cemetery