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.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Friday August 11, 2017
Bell Mortuary
701 2nd Avenue South
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Celebration of Her Life
11:00 AM
Saturday August 12, 2017
Evangelical Church
152 Aberdeen Street
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Burial
12:00PM
Saturday August 12, 2017
Highland Cemetery
Highland Drive
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Luncheon
12:30 PM to 2:00 PM
Saturday August 12, 2017
Evangelical Church
152 Aberdeen Street
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Friday August 11, 2017
Bell Mortuary
701 2nd Avenue South
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Celebration of Her Life
11:00 AM
Saturday August 12, 2017
Evangelical Church
152 Aberdeen Street
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Burial
12:00PM
Saturday August 12, 2017
Highland Cemetery
Highland Drive
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Luncheon
12:30 PM to 2:00 PM
Saturday August 12, 2017
Evangelical Church
152 Aberdeen Street
Glasgow, Montana 59230
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Rick & Bea Stellflug says
Our hearts are heavy at the loss of Dorena. She was a warm, kind person who loved her children and family dearly. She’s with her mom and dad who welcomed her with open arms. GOD grant you his peace. Rest In Paradise, Dorena.
Angela says
I’m so sorry to hear of Dorena’s passing. She always had such a no nonsense way about her, incredible advice, and genuine love for the people she cared about. I will miss her wise spirit, her warm smile and infectious laugh. I am so sorry for her family. The world is a bit darker without her in it.
Wendy Cox says
Words cannot express the pain and heartache I am feeling, Shari and I lost our best friend, 4 great kids lost their wonderful mom, and the world lost an amazing woman, she will always be loved and missed! I Love You forever Dorena!!!
Deb says
I am saddened by the news of Dorena’s passing. She was my oldest friend. We were in Blue Birds, went through Jr. High, and graduated High School together. Dorena and I stayed in touch for a while following High School and continued to bump into each other when I visited family in Glasgow. She remained the kind, steady, and caring person I remembered as a child. I was greatly comforted to know Dorena was coordinating care for my mother because I knew things would be done right. This news is so sad to me and I feel like I’ve lost a large part of my childhood. My condolences to her children (whom she was very proud of) and Georgie.
Melodee Kavanaugh says
Dorena will be missed by so many. She cared for everyone she met. I loved visiting with her and will miss her kind voice when calling outreach clinic. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers.
David and Diane Sergent says
Georgie and Kids
I’m so sorry to hear about Dorena, it was such a shock. I can’t find the words to tell you how very sorry I’m for your loss.
Mona says
I learned the true meaning of kindness from Doreena.
I thought I knew but there were many times she taught me how to be a better person.
Tim Connors says
So sorry to hear. Dorene was a very kind person. Thoughts and prayers.
Tana mckinney says
She always made me feel welcome and loved … I will miss her gentle soul and beautiful smile.. her quiet strong caring ways and mostly her incredible way to make you feel stronger by just being around her .. the angels have gained an amazing soul … I will miss you Dorena.. I pray for your family.
Debra Nesbitt says
My thoughts and prayers are with you, your mama will be loved and missed by many , she was an awesome person, friend and daughter in law, love Debra Nesbitt
Debra Nesbitt says
Thoughts and prayers are with you as you fly on angle wings, God’s loving arms are around you holding you tight on this flight, my wonderful friend and daughter in law, love DEB WILHELM NESBITT
Leah Erickson & Lynn Erickson says
Sorry for your loss. Hugs to all her kids. She was lost to young!?
sally durham says
Dorena its been hard up here! This was not supposed to be! You where Great at your job my girl , you cared more about everyone else, what can I saw I was truly blessed to have you in my life ! I will miss you like crazy. Love Sally
JoLynne Frie says
Dorena became a part of my life when I was just a ten. The short time she was married to my brother, we grew to love each other and become close friends. Though our lives took us apart, I will always remember her compassion and love she showed everyone. She will truly be missed!!
Beth Casebolt says
I will surely miss Dorena at the clinic. She was always so caring and always had a smile on her face. Such a tremendous loss.