IN MEMORIAM: Blanche Blacksmith, 88;

Ran Straws & Sweets, Cooperstown Shop 

COOPERSTOWN – Blanche H. Blacksmith, 88, who operated Straws & Sweets in the village, died unexpectedly Thursday evening, May 5, 2016, at Focus Rehabilitation & Nursing Center at Otsego after enjoying a wonderful day with friends and dinner with her daughter, Allyse.

Blanche Harriet Flower was born Jan. 1, 1928, in Somerville, N.J., the only child of Harry and Ann (Recor) Flower.

Following her graduation from high school, Blanche attended nursing school.

On May 18, 1946, she married Daniel Alvin Blacksmith at The United Reformed Church in Somerville, New Jersey.  During their 66 years of marriage, the Blacksmiths lived in many places throughout the United States.  They ultimately settled in Cooperstown and enjoyed living in their home just outside of the village.

Raised in the Reformed church tradition, she was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Cooperstown.  An avid knitter, she enjoyed her times with the “Knit2Gether” group .

She was adored by her family and many grace-filled friends and will be greatly missed.

Blanche is survived by her two daughters, Joy Ann Blacksmith of Jersey City, N.J., and Allyse Lynn DeCarr and her husband, Larry, of Richfield Springs; two grandchildren, Matthew Daniel DeCarr and his wife, Kristin, of Scotia and Melissa Lynn Forbes and her husband, Zachary, of Averill Park; and her beloved 10-month-old great grandson, Jameson DeCarr.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, companion and best friend, Dan, who died Jan. 29, 2013.

A memorial service and celebration of her life will be offered at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 13, at the First Presbyterian Church of Cooperstown, with the Rev. Elsie Armstrong Rhodes, pastor, officiating.

Immediately following the service, all attending are invited to join with the Blacksmith family for a time of refreshment and fellowship in the adjoining Chapel.

For those who wish to make memorial gifts in memory of Blanche, please consider a donation to the Susquehanna Animal Shelter, 4841 State Highway 28, Cooperstown, NY  13326, or the First Presbyterian Church of Cooperstown Women’s Fellowship Building Fund for the benefit of an electronic carillon for the church.

Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.