Grafton – Agnes C. (Blanchard ) Whitney, 84, passed peacefully Saturday, Sept. 12, 2015, with loved ones at her side, from complications of a recent illness. Her husband of 65 years, Leonard A. Whitney, passed in 2013.
Agnes leaves her sister, Teal Pitman of Winchester, N.H.; several nieces and nephews; her longtime caregivers, Godson Thomas Walsh, his wife Gloria and their children Aidan and Rory, who she endearingly called her grandchildren; her brothers-in-law, Donald Whitney and his wife Beatrice and Maurice Whitney, and his wife Alyce; and many other children of her many friends’ families whom she generously reached out to offering her love and support for many years. She was predeceased by her parents, James W. and Olivine (Willett) Blanchard, and her brother, James A. Blanchard.
She was born Sept. 25, 1930 in Keene. N.H., and raised and educated there. She and Len came to North Grafton in 1958.
Agnes worked a total of 38 years as Office Manager at both at The Bakery & Confectionery Union Local # 251 and The Bricklayers & Masons Union Chapter # 6 in Worcester.
Agnes was a devout Roman Catholic at her parish Church of St. Mary in North Grafton, where she was a member of its church choir, an assistant with The CCD program, a Market Sunday and Bereavement Ministry volunteer for many years, along with providing countless acts of kindness to fellow parishioners and friends alike. She greatly enjoyed traveling throughout The United States and Europe with her husband Len, camping with friends and family, and friendships with her neighbors.
Agnes was also quick to respond to anyone who was in need of assistance, including volunteering with The Grafton Food Bank. It was commonly known if someone was going to visit her they needed to check with her schedule to be sure she would be there for them and not on a” mission” to be helping somewhere within her community or church.
The family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to all of Agnes’ friends and her “3 Angels” who all came to her side during her times of need and her recent illness.
Her funeral will be held Friday, Sept. 18 from The Roney Funeral Home, 152 Worcester St., North Grafton, followed by the celebration of her funeral Mass at 11 a.m. at her Parish Church of St. Mary, 17 Waterville St., North Grafton. She will then be laid to rest with her husband Len at Pine Grove Cemetery in North Grafton. Anyone coming to the funeral home should arrive there by 10:15 a.m. All are invited to calling hours at The Roney Funeral Home Thursday, Sept. 17, from 4-7 p.m.
Flowers may be sent or donations made in her memory to St. Mary’s Church Memorial Fund, 17 Waterville St., North Grafton.
An online guest book to offer condolences and share memories is available at www.RoneyFuneralHome.com.
