Blanche E. Lajoie

Blanche E. (MacAloney) Lajoie, 89, formerly of Gardner and Westminster, died after a long illness Tuesday, January 16, at Hillcrest Nursing Center, Fitchburg, Mass. She was predeceased by her husband, Leo "Popeye" Lajoie, in 2001. A son, Allen K. Smith, a Vietnam veteran, died in 1971. She leaves a son, Roger K. Smith and his wife, Marsha of Athol, a step-son, Leo P. Lajoie and his wife Judy of Worcester and a stepdaughter, Sheila Brodeur and her husband Peter of Baldwinville. She also leaves ten grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Her first husband, Kendall E. Smith, died in 1985.

Mrs. Lajoie was born in Fitchburg on January 3, 1918, the daughter of Cliff and Annie (MacAloney) Henson, and attended Westminster schools. Her first school was the one room No. 12 District School House located just below the Old Mill Restaurant on Rt. 2A. She was raised by her grandfather, William B. MacAloney, Sr. who owned a large dairy farm just above the Old Mill Restaurant near the corner of Rt. 2A and Battles Rd. She could relate many interesting stories about growing up on a farm in the late 20's and 30's.

She worked at the Westminster Cracker Bakery during WW II and into the 1950's. She worked in the dining room at Henry Heywood Hospital in Gardner during the 60's and 70's. She was always popular with the student nurses because of her good humor, and she always added a little extra to their food trays. She also worked at the former Collier-Keyworth factory in Gardner before retiring in the mid 80's.

She enjoyed the good meals and good times at the former Peter Pan Restaurant in Gardner, her cats and crossword puzzles, but most of all she enjoyed being with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

The funeral will be held Saturday, January 20th at 11:00 a.m. in the Boucher Funeral Home, Inc., 110 Nichols St., Gardner. Burial will follow at the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Westminster. A calling hour will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. before the funeral service. Flowers may be sent or donations may be made to the Westminster Fire Dept. Rescue Squad, 7 South St. or the Westminster Benefit Fund, P.O. Box 63, Westminster, MA 01473.

The family would like to thank the wonderful and caring healthcare professionals who cared for Blanche during her stay at Hearthside Elderhome in Baldwinville and Hillcrest Nursing Center in Fitchburg.

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