Bertheline 'Betty' C. (Nadeau) Blanchet

Sand Lake - Bertheline ‘Betty’ Cecile (Nadeau) Blanchet, 93, a six-decade Wynantskill resident, passed away on Friday, September 15, 2017, to return once again to her beloved Charles. She was surrounded by dedicated family members full of love and respect for their sweet mother.

Born in Shawingan Falls, Quebec, Betty was daughter of the late Magloire Nadeau and Marie Blanche Richard.  Although her family moved to Cohoes, NY when she was quite young, Betty openly cherished both her Canadian and American heritages.   She was raised in Cohoes on Main Street and was still living with her mother when she met the love of her life, the late Charles Joseph Blanchet, Senior.  After a courtship appropriate for that time and era, Betty and Charlie were wed in June of 1942 in Yakima, WA.  Their tender love is reflected in their special song, Irving Berlin’s 1925 melody “Always.”

This blessed union, filled with all the trials and triumphs of all worthwhile endeavors, lasted 73 years and ultimately resulted in a progeny of over 100 children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. 

During their years Betty and Charlie resided in Speigletown, Wynantskill, and lastly in Sand Lake. Foregoing her formal education in finishing and business school, Betty dedicated herself to the higher order crafts of Wife, Mother, and Homemaker, all titles exemplified and personified as a shining example in the community.  She always wanted the world to know she was “the mother of 12 children” and asked it be noted here.  She was at once a teacher, mentor, moral compass, and listening post for her loved ones regardless of their age or circumstances.  She loved each of her children unconditionally and valued all collectively.  Each child secretly knew that they were the “favorite,” because each one was.

A multifaceted woman, Betty enjoyed swimming, badminton, and volleyball in her younger years, square-dancing, camping, and pinochle in the middle ones, and as her life slowed her a bit, walking the ocean beach, pie-making and rigorously competitive backgammon. She was a member of the Tamarac Twirlers, Café Francais Tea Club, and worker as a Pollster for the board of elections. Betty’s sensitivity to others and acceptance of all made her a joy to be around.

Betty was pre-deceased by dear husband Charles, daughter Pamela, and siblings Clement, Medrick, Anita, Jacqueline, and Theresa.  She is survived by her sister Irene and by her own children Linda, Felix, David, Suzanne, Arthur, Gregory, Mary Lee, Daniel, Mark, Charles, and Lorrie Ann – and their subsequent spouses.

Relatives and friends may call at the St. Henry's Church 39 Old Route 66 Averill Park on Thursday, September 21, 2017 from 9:00-10:30 AM.  Funeral services will be held immediately thereafter, same location, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Thomas F. Holmes, Pastor, officiating.

Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery Wynantskill.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in memory of Bertheline Cecile Blanchet to the Doors of Hope 4352 NY 150 West Sand Lake, NY 12196.

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