Obituary of Eleanor Anna Blanchette

Eleanor was born and raised on the Smiley family farm in Milton-Freewater, Oregon. She graduated from the Seventh Day Adventist Academy. She was preceded in death by her parents George E. and Hulda (Sundquist) Smiley; brothers, Arley and Harold; sisters, Eloise and Dorothy; son-in-law, Gary O’Rielly, and step-son, Bobby Blanchette. After working a short time at the Walla Walla, Washington, Hospital, she went to work for Pacific Northwest Bell and retired after 37 years. Mom had many hobbies including being a master sewer and quilter. She raised a vegetable garden every year which was enjoyed by family, friends, neighbors, and the Food Share. She resided the last 50 years at the same house in Keizer where she raised her children. She had a passion for travel, taking trips and cruises all over the world. One of her favorite places to visit was the Oregon Coast, where she would crab and beach comb. Grandma was a determined, independent, strong-willed person her entire life and was able to live on her own terms until the last few weeks. Our mom was an amazing person who was also self-reliant and a survivor, but at the same time loving and caring and willing to give anyone a helping hand. Mom is loved and missed by her daughters, Jacqueline (Dave) Moir and Patti O’Rielly; step-daughter, Michelle Lundeen; grandchildren, Michael O’Rielly and Melissa (Arik) Womack; niece, Susan (Scott) DuCharme; nephew, Howard Delahaye (J.R.); and great-niece, Rocki DuCharme. At her request no funeral services will be held and a private family memorial will be in Milton-Freewater on the family farm where she will join her siblings at rest. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any Veterans’ organization, Willamette Valley Hospice, or the Willamette Humane Society. Arrangements Crown Memorial Center - Salem. A mother holds her children’s hands for a while…their hearts forever.