Concord, NH – Sylvia A. Blanchette age 103 died October 22, 2026 at Pleasant View Center in Concord. Sylvia was born August 14, 1923 in Warner, daughter of the late Jacob C. and Barbara (Karins) Burbank. Sylvia graduated from Simonds Free High School, class of 1941. While in high school and one year after graduation, she worked at Merrimack County Telephone Co. in Warner. In 1942 she briefly worked for NE Telephone Co. in Concord. Then in 1943 she was one of the earliest hires of Blue Cross-Blue Shield of NH-VT. She lived at the Friendly Club, South Main St. Concord, a boarding house for young woman working in Concord.
During her senior year at Simonds she met Alphe Blanchette of Houlton ME. He was assigned to the 1147 Co. C.C.C. in Warner. After Pearl Harbour, Alphe left Warner joining the US Army. They lost contact with each other but eventually re-united and became engaged before Alphe went overseas. When he returned from service they were married June 26, 1946 at St. John’s Church in Concord. They had a honeymoon in Boston. Then took a train to Houlton to start their married life. Daughter Karen was born the following year. Later that summer they took a trip to visit family in Warner and decided to make it their home. Daughter Claire was born in 1948 and a son Larry was born in 1953.
After her children were grown, she worked at St. Paul’s School for 11 years. Then part time at Walker Power and Brayshaw Printing. Sylvia was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, joining in 1948. She also volunteered at the Warner Historical Society, Warner Senior Center, Warner Card Groups, Community Action, R.S.V.P and the Friends Program. In 2008 Sylvia and Alphe sold their Warner home and moved to the Sycamore Apts. in Concord. Then in 2018, Sylvia moved to the Park Avenue Apts. In Contoocook, enjoying her last years until January 2025 when she moved to Pleasant View Center.
Sylvia is survived by daughters Karen A. Blanchette of Concord, Claire M. Watterson of Penacook, grandson Artey Bousqet and his wife Nancy of Andover, niece Eileen Wilcock and family of Stock Port England. Also several nieces and nephews in the Blanchette family she was close to.
Sylvia was predeceased by her husband Alphe T. Blanchette after 67 years of marriage, son Larry T. Blachette, grand baby Donald V. Silver III, sister Eileen M. White, sister Janis C. Burbank, nephews William Reid, David Reid and Peter Reid.
Thank you to the staff at Pleasant View Center and Amedisys Hospice for the loving care given to her.
Per mom’s request there are no visiting hours or services. Burial will be at the Pine Grove Cemetery Annex, Mill St., Warner NH.
The Waters Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.
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