Marlene Joyce Blanchard

Marlene Joyce Blanchard passed away January 22, 2024 following a 10 year struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was with her family at the time of her passing. Marlene was loved by all who knew her. She was a very social person and will be missed by her family and many friends, and she will definitely be welcome in Heaven. Marlene was born, to George and Gwendolyn Bailey, in Bismarck, North Dakota, October 13, 1939. Her family moved to Washington state in the early 1950s where her father found work on several construction projects. They later moved to Oregon. When she was 14 years old they moved to Mosier, Oregon where she met Gary, the love of her life. They graduated from Mosier High School, both in the class of 1957. By the end of high school they had become sweethearts. Following high school She worked for the U.S. National Bank in The Dalles while Gary moved to Corvallis to attend Oregon State College. During that year of separation their desire to be together grew stronger and they were married in September, 1958. After they were married Marlene transferred to the U.S. National Bank in Corvallis where she worked to make living expenses for the couple. Gary always bragged that she put him through school. Both Marlene and Gary were fortunate to find employment in Corvallis following Gary’s college graduation. They have been part of the Corvallis-Philomath community for the past 65 years. She continued to work at the bank where she gained valuable experience that gave her a good foundation to start her own businesses. She did a marvelous job of balancing her work, while giving birth to, and being the mother to three daughters. She eventually established Marlene Blanchard Realty and continued to sell real estate until 2014. In 1999 she was honored with the recognition of being named Realtor of the year by the Willamette Association of Realtors. She is survived by her husband Gary and three daughters, Capri Robison (husband Arlyn), Angela Wilson (husband Tom), and Crystal Kerr (husband Mike, deceased). She is also survived by four grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. She also has a sister, Sandra, in Portland. Her parents, and two brothers, Donald Bailey and Robert Bailey, preceded her in death. A memorial service is scheduled for Marlene for February 8, 2024 at the Peace Lutheran Church in Philomath (2540 Applegate St), Oregon at 2 PM. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dementia Warriors support group c/o Peace Lutheran Church or other charity of your choice. An alternative way to honor Marlene’s memory would be to do one of her favorite things, take a friend to lunch.

Tributes

Marlene Joyce Blanchard

October 13, 1939 - January 22, 2024