WELCOME MESSAGE

Thank you for visiting this memorial page for Suzy Blanchard. We created this space as a way for family and friends to come together, share memories, and celebrate the extraordinary life she lived.

Here, you can:

• Stay updated on details about her future celebration of life (to be announced here)
• Post photos, stories, or messages that capture your connection with Suzy
• Leave condolences or words of support for Dave and the family

Suzy touched countless lives as a teacher, education pioneer, children’s advocate, and friend. We would love for this page to reflect that spirit through the voices, stories, and memories of those who knew her.

If you wish to honor Suzy with a gift, donations can be made to the Co-op Family Center in Eugene, Oregon. Please visit: 

https://givebutter.com/zCZyta…

and use this email as the honoree notification:  davidblanchard8827@gmail.com

Thank you for being part of Suzy’s story, for sharing your memories, and for helping us keep her legacy alive.

OBITUARY

Susan “Suzy” Carol (Wisner) Blanchard

Born: April 9, 1945 – York, Pennsylvania

Died: August 25, 2025 – Portland, Oregon

Suzy Blanchard was a force of nature, with a spirit that was both powerful and tender, bold and nurturing. She was Dave’s eternal date, an encouraging mother, a protector of children, and a woman who filled kitchens, classrooms, and backyards with warmth and belonging.

She grew up in York, Pennsylvania, the oldest of five (Annie, Vicki, Chuck, and Todd). She married Dave Blanchard in 1964, and together they raised three kids—Erik, Jodee, and Alyson. In 1974, Suzy and Dave packed up the family and drove west to Oregon to explore a new way of life. Over the next 51 years, they planted themselves in the beauty of Oregon, where the landscape and culture nurtured their spirits and their lives.

Children were the center of Suzy’s world. If she could have, she would have had ten of her own. Instead, she poured her heart into early childhood education. After starting as a kindergarten teacher, she found her life’s work at the Amazon Family Co-op at the University of Oregon - (https://www.coopfamilycenter.…) As Director, she grew the program, championed the Reggio Emilia philosophy of education - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki… - and fought for funding that led to a brand-new center—creating a diverse community that supported graduate students and their families from all over the world. She even traveled to Reggio Emilia, Italy, to see firsthand the approach that shaped her career. Myriad families passed through the Co-op during her time, and many still remember Suzy’s energy and devotion.

In 2000, Suzy suffered two mild strokes that slowed her pace, but never dimmed her spirit. She and Dave later moved to Portland’s Montavilla neighborhood, settling into their dream cottage. They were fortunate to travel widely thanks to family airline benefits.

Her greatest joy in later years was time with her grandchildren—Jade, Raven, Quinn, and Connor—who brought new energy, laughter, and purpose into her life.

She leaves behind Dave, her husband of 61 years; her children Erik (Hector), Jodee (Aaron), and Alyson; her grandchildren Jade, Raven, Quinn, and Connor; and her siblings Annie, Vicki, Chuck, and Todd.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations in Suzy’s memory to the Co-op Family Center (formerly Amazon Family Co-op) in Eugene, Oregon. To donate, please visit:

https://givebutter.com/zCZyta…

When making a gift, please enter this email as the honoree notification so Dave may receive word of your generosity:

davidblanchard8827@gmail.com

This memorial page will also be the place to share tributes and find updates about Suzy’s future celebration of life once plans are set.

Her legacy lives on in the children she championed, the family she adored, and the communities she helped build with love and care.

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