Mary Sandra Blanchard, 78, of Cypress, TX, passed away October 14, 2024, in her home surrounded by loved ones. She entered the world August 31, 1946, in Lafayette, LA, the first born only daughter of Lucien C. Bertrand and Dorothy Howe Bertrand. She always cherished her memories of growing up on Adrienne Street with her five brothers, neighbors and Myrtle Place Elementary classmates who would become lifelong friends. Sandy graduated from Lafayette High School in 1964 and pursued her associates degree in Licensed Vocational Nursing. In 1967, she married Frederick C. Blanchard of Lafayette, LA and they had a daughter in 1969.

Sandy cared for nursery babies, the elderly in nursing homes and children of all ages in private practice pediatrics in her early years of nursing. A naturally compassionate soul, her unflappable calmness and stealthy skills (what needle?) made her a patient favorite- especially with the children. For several years, when her daughter was in Junior High and High School, Sandy left nursing and worked as a paraprofessional with the Katy ISD school district. She loved that experience and the friendships she made in that time. For the last 20 plus years of her career, Sandy returned to nursing for allergy and asthma private practice, and established lifelong friendships with doctors, co-workers and patients alike.

In her free time, Sandy enjoyed cooking, reading, sewing, needle work, decorating and crafting.  A dedicated wife and mother, (and a fabulous cook) she served family dinner every night of the week while working full time and never missing a school event.  She loved grocery shopping and meal planning with her mother, and they were in a world of their own in the kitchen together. Sandy cherished her brothers, in-laws and numerous nieces and nephews as well as her cousins.  She loved caring for her family, naturally doting on all the children and nursing her parents and in-laws in their final years.

In 2001, Sandy became Grandma. There are no adequate words to describe how much she loved and was dedicated to her three grandchildren. Sandy retired from nursing in 2017 and enjoyed her grandchildren, making jewelry, spending more time with and celebrating her family and keeping up with friends.

Sandy is survived by her husband, Fred Blanchard; daughter Amy Lorch and son-in-law Mike Lorch; and grandchildren Sammie, David and Derek Lorch all of Cypress, TX; brother Don Bertrand of Lafayette, LA; brother Dan Bertrand and sister-in-law Sophie Bertrand of Albuquerque, NM; sister-in-law Yvette Blanchard of Houston, TX and sister-in-law Marti Blanchard of South Carolina. Her beloved nieces and nephews include Carly and Ricky Bertrand of New Orleans; Meryl Bertrand of Lafayette; Lyndsay Bertrand of Lafayette; Michael and Katherine Bertrand of Cincinnati, OH; Adrienne Bertrand of Albuquerque; William and Virginia Bertrand of Luling, LA; Christopher Bertrand, Allan Michael Bertrand and Victor Bertrand, all of Alabama; Lynn Pennington of Houston, TX; Ann and Ron Kaltenbaugh of Houston, TX; Pam and Steve Gearhart of Florida, Cindy Blanchard of South Carolina and numerous great nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Dorothy Bertrand; father, Lucien Bertrand; brothers Russell Bertrand, William Bertrand and Todd Bertrand; in-laws Yvonne and Arthur Blanchard; brother-in-law Arthur Blanchard and nephew Douglas Brashier.

The family would like to thank Devotion Hospice, First Light Home Care of The Woodlands, Katy & NW Houston, Touching Hearts at Home of North Houston and her newest cherished friend Susan Barnes for their support and care of Sandy during the last several months.

A memorial service will be held on October 25th,  2pm-4pm at Klein Funeral Home,  9719 Wortham Blvd. Houston, TX 77065. A celebration of life will also be held at a future date in Lafayette, LA where she will be interred with her parents and brothers at St. John's Cathedral.