The Life of Elena Blanchard
Obituary for Elena Pirozzi BlanchardFuneral services were held on Saturday, January 23, 2010 at a 2:00 PM Service in La Chapelle de Martin & Castille for Elena Pirozzi Blanchard, 88, who passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 21, 2010 at Camelot of Broussard Retirement Home after a lengthy illness.Interment was held in Holy Mary Mother of God Cemetery.Reverend Keith Landry, Associate Pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Broussard, officiated the Catholic services. Readers were her two granddaughters, Paula Lundy and Ashley Richards. Karen Broussard, organist and soloist, sang for the services.Elena was the thirteenth of thirteen children born to Rosa Saracino and Nallo Pirozzi on April 13, 1921, in Naples, Italy. She and her baby daughter arrived in New York on a war bride ship in May 1946. She then traveled to Lafayette to reunite with her husband. After her husband's death in 1960 Elena dedicated her life to her children and grandchildren. She will be dearly missed by her family.She is survived by three children, Alida Richards and Debra Deville of Lafayette, LA. and Andy Blanchard, Jr. of Pensacola, FL.; twelve grandchildren; and eighteen great grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her husband, Andy J. Blanchard, Sr.; a daughter, Rose Delcambre; grandson Bobby Blanchard; one son-in-law, John Richards, Jr.; her parents; and twelve siblings.Visitation was held Saturday, January 23, 2010 from 12 noon until time of service.The family wishes to thank the entire staff of Camelot of Broussard and Journey Hospice who assisted in her final days, for their care and compassion.Pallbearers were her grandsons, Kevin Blanchard, Michael Langley, Blake Viator, Shane Viator, Sgt. Lance Richards and Ronnie Kisor. Honorary pallbearers were, Jeremy Blanchard and Joshua Blanchard. Martin & Castille - Downtown, 330 St. Landry Street, Lafayette, LA. 337-234-2311