On August 5, 2017 we lost our sister, mother and best friend, Dorena Blanchard, unexpectedly in the comfort of her own home. Dorena was born April 9, 1969 in Glasgow, Mont. to Myron Blanchard and Helen (Nelson) Blanchard. She attended Glasgow High School from where she graduated in 1987. She then went on to graduate from UND-Williston with her Associates in Interior Design in 1989. Only a short while later she had her first child, Brittany Anne, in May of 1991. Her second daughter, Elena June, came along in March on 1993. Her third child and eldest son, Ryan Joseph, joined in April of 1995. Her youngest baby, Robert Joseph, joined the family in November 1996. Her life then became full of sleepovers, birthday parties, laughter and creating memories.
Dorena was an extremely hard worker, which she did solely to provide for her children. She wouldn’t have changed that for the world. She worked at Tastee Freeze in her younger years, then as a house keeper at La Casa and the Rustic Lodge. She eventually went to Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital where she dabbled in many departments. She finally settled in on the second floor Outpatient Clinic where she spent the rest of her remaining time. She absolutely loved her spot on the second floor where she cared deeply for all her patients, doctors and friends who became family. Many will remember her for her huge heart and compassionate soul. She never turned away a friend in need of someone to cry to, to lean on or even to rant to. She constantly had a warm, genuine smile for everyone she saw.
Dorena loved her children more than anything. Everything she did was for the sake of her babies. She was the most extraordinary mother who taught us all to show compassion to everyone we met. To always forgive anything. Give everyone the chance they deserved and how to live every day to the fullest with no regrets. She gave the best advice ever.
Dorena had many joys to fill her time. From kicking back and watching shows with her beloved pets, Rhino and Quanick, to spending time in her gorgeous yard, where she was most at peace. Dorena was an avid collector of “treasures”. She deeply enjoyed people watching, taking drives and listening about her babies’ days. There wasn’t anything Dorena didn’t do for her babies.
Dorena will be greatly missed by all.
Survivors include her daughters, Brittany Anne and Elena June; sons, Ryan Joseph and Robert (Robbie) Joseph Grandchamp; loving sister, Georgie Kulczyk; nephew and niece, Parker and Jordan Kulczyk and many cherished family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, mother Helen Blanchard and father Myron Blanchard; grandma Mabel; grandpa Burt; her second family, Iris Grandchamp, Robert (Bobby Joe) Grandchamp Sr., Robert (lil Bob) Grandchamp Jr., as well as numerous aunts, uncles and friends.
Family will receive friends on Friday, August 11, 2017 from 5-7 PM at the Bell Mortuary. Funeral service will be Saturday, August 12, 2017 at 11:00 AM at the Evangelical Church in Glasgow. Burial will follow in Glasgow’s Highland Cemetery. Following the burial, a luncheon will be held at the Evangelical Church. Condolences may be left at bellmortuarymontana.com.