Blanche Rioux Desmarais

Desmarais, Blanche Nanny Blanche Rioux Desmarais, 96, of Hartford, Connecticut, beloved wife of Tony Desmarais, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Saturday, October 9, 2010 at Saint Mary Home in West Hartford, Connecticut. Known as "Nanny," Blanche was the mother of 6, grandmother to 18, great-grandmother to 16, and dear friend to many. Everyone loved her, her smile, her wit, her perpetual pleasantness. Her boundless caring for others kept her engaged in kindly and loving relationships throughout her long life. She loved to talk, to tell and hear stories, and to take an active interest in those around her. She took pleasure in giving comfort to others through thoughtful gifts, back-rubs and tickling, and conversation. In addition to her well-earned reputation as a shopper, she loved to share travel adventures with her children, to read and discuss ideas, and she was a knowledgeable investor in the stock market. She took her greatest delight in her family and her loving involvement was a unifying force. Nanny had a special gift of making everyone around her feel special and valued. Her smile could light up a room. Blanche was born on December 11, 1913 in Fall River, Massachusetts and was the youngest of the 8 children of Emile and Azalea Rioux. She moved to Hartford at age 16 where she met and married the love of her life, Tony Desmarais, and raised six children. Blanche was employed by Pratt and Whitney Aircraft as an inspector for over 25 years during which time she received multiple achievement awards for creativity and innovation. Blanche was predeceased by her husband, Tony, her sons Stuart and Richard, and her seven siblings: Florida, Wilfred, Ernest, Albert, Alfred, Bella, and Evelyn. She leaves behind her son Alan West Hartford, CT and her daughters Jeanne Ward Sherborn, MA, Jo-Ann McCann Stratford, CT, and Diane Ullman Simsbury, CT, and her "daughter" Joanie Desmarais. Also daughters-in-law Roisin Desmarais and Therese Desmarais; sons-in-law William McCann and Peter Ullman; grandchildren Maribeth Amber, Lauralyn Ward, Susan Oleson, Gail Watling, Amy Bryan, Jeffrey Desmarais, Jonathan Desmarais, David Desmarais, Carolyn McWilliams, Gregory Desmarais, Jon McCann, Brian McCann, Matthew Desmarais, Carey Desmarais, Andrew Desmarais, Rebecca Ullman, Stephen Ullman, and Sarah Ullman. Great-grandchildren Katie Amber, Erica Frizol, Kirsten Frizol, Alaina Oleson, Alexander Watling, Brittany Watling, Jake Bryan, Kaylie Bryan, Jeffrey Desmarais, Cameron Desmarais, Richard Desmarais, Andrew Desmarais, Ashley Desmarais, Nathan McWilliams, Talia McWilliams, and Gavin McWilliams. Blanche was known for her wonderful smile and love which knew no bounds. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Calling hours will be held from 4-7 PM on Friday, October 15 at Molloy Funeral Home, 906 Farmington Ave, West Hartford, CT and a Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, October 16 at St Peter Claver Church, 47 Pleasant St. West Hartford, CT. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Memorial Park, Rocky Hill, CT. Donations can be made to Oak Hill, 120 Holcomb Street, Hartford, CT 06112-1589. Online expressions of sympathy may be made at www.molloyfuneralhome.com

Blanche Rioux Desmarais

December 11, 1913 - October 9, 2010