Kathleen A. Blanchard

Kathleen A. (Bird) Blanchard, 63, of Worcester, passed away on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, with her loving family at her bedside.

Kathy is survived by her husband of 43 years, Emile H. Blanchard; their daughters, Nicole Eldridge and her husband Samuel of Framingham, and Natalie Smith and her husband Kaleb of Shrewsbury, two brothers, Francis “Skip” Bird and his wife Michele of Lakeville, and Richard Bird and his wife Kristine of Oxford; two sisters, Debra McDonald and Tina Gelineau, both Oxford; five grandchildren, Logan, Owen, Sydney, Lucas, and Hunter; many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by two brothers-in-law, James McDonald and David Gelineau. Kathy was born in Worcester, daughter of the late Francis R. and Natalie J. (Ciuffredo) Bird and has lived here all her life. She graduated from Burncoat High School and went on to receive a certificate from Salter’s School of Business.

Kathy worked for the Worcester District Attorney's Office for many years before having her daughters. She then returned to the workforce as a grant and contract specialist in Molecular Medicine at UMass Medical School, where she spent 24 years before retiring in 2021.  With her sparkling blue eyes and joyful spirit, Kathy radiated warmth. She had a heart of gold, always supporting those who needed her and offering words of advice. She had a unique way of making everyone feel loved.

Kathy cherished time with family and friends, making every gathering a celebration. Her proudest moments were having her loved ones around her table with food she had so lovingly prepared for holidays and birthdays.

Her life was filled with excursions and traveling to new places with her best friend, her husband. She would reminisce about their early days when they would cruise around in his 78’ Pontiac Grand Prix, being bowling league champs, and the many concerts they had enjoyed. Until her final days, their time together was filled with laughter and endless love.

She was a devoted mother, pouring her heart and soul into every aspect of her daughter’s lives. She was always active in their schools PTO, field trips and girl scouts. Throughout all the milestones, she was always there to step in and help. She cherished her time with them, going shopping, grabbing lunch or catching up with a cup of tea.

Kathy drew endless energy from her close-knit family, but it was her role as Nonni that truly defined her. Her grandchildren, her sugar-sugars, transformed her home into a haven of giggles, where every shared moment became a treasured memory.

She especially enjoyed spending time at OOB playing in the sand, collecting shells and flying kites with her grandchildren. Her love will continue to wash over us, like the tide. May her memory be as constant and enduring as the sea.

Calling Hours will be on Tuesday, March 11, from 4 pm until 7 pm in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester. Her Funeral will be on Wednesday, March 12, departing the funeral home at 9:40 am enroute to a 10 am Funeral Mass at Saint Stephen’s Church, 357 Grafton Street, Worcester. Interment will follow at North Cemetery in Oxford.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Girl’s Inc., by visiting www.girlsincworcester.org.