Lois J. (Thompson) Blanchard

Lois J. (Thompson) Blanchard, 92, passed away peacefully on February 9 2014 with her family by her side. Lois was born and raised in Seattle. Following graduation from Garfield High School, she worked for Boeing and later for Pan American Airlines. In 1944 she moved with Pan Am to Fairbanks, Alaska. She became the first of seven DC-3 Pan American Clipper flight attendants providing service from Seattle to Alaska. Her flying years with Pan Am took her all over the world, creating a wealth of vivid stories and cherished memories.

In 1947 she left the airlines to marry her husband of 40 years, Dick E. Blanchard, who passed away in 1987. They moved from Los Angeles to Mercer Island in 1960 where they raised their three children. Lois remained there until 2011.

Lois was accomplished at many hobbies; everything handmade and homemade with love and attention to detail. She avidly followed the news, took great interest in the financial markets, and received immense satisfaction from her years of volunteering for the Assistance League of Seattle.

Most of all, she loved spending time with her family. She is survived by daughters Lisa (Paul) Grondal, and Lori Blanchard, and her son Dr. M. Clark (Nicolette) Blanchard. Her four grandchildren include; Logan Shepardson, Marin Shepardson, Danielle Blanchard and Beau Blanchard. She was fortunate to share time with her adventurous companion, Hal Fresn, for the past 20 years. She will be missed immeasurably. Her life will be celebrated with friends and family this spring.