Blanche H. Blacksmith

1928 - 2016

COOPERSTOWN - Blanche H. Blacksmith, 88, of Cooperstown, died unexpectedly Thursday evening, May 5, 2016, at Focus Rehabilitation and Nursing Center at Otsego after enjoying a wonderful day with friends and dinner with her daughter, Allyse.

Blanche Harriet Flower was born January 1, 1928, in Somerville, New Jersey, the only child of Harry and Ann (Recor) Flower.

Following her graduation from high school, Blanche attended nursing school.

On May 18, 1946, she married Daniel Alvin Blacksmith at The United Reformed Church in Somerville, New Jersey.  During their 66 years of marriage, the Blacksmiths lived in many places throughout the United States.  They ultimately settled in Cooperstown and enjoyed living in their home just outside of the village.

A successful and astute businesswoman, Blanche owned and operated Straws & Sweets in the Village of Cooperstown.

Raised in the Reformed church tradition, she was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Cooperstown.  An avid knitter, she enjoyed her times with the "Knit2Gether" group .

She was adored by her family and many grace-filled friends and will be greatly missed.

Blanche is survived by her two daughters, Joy Ann Blacksmith of Jersey City, New Jersey and Allyse Lynn DeCarr and her husband, Larry, of Richfield Springs; two grandchildren, Matthew Daniel DeCarr and his wife, Kristin, of Scotia and Melissa Lynn Forbes and her husband, Zachary, of Averill Park; and her beloved 10-month-old great grandson, Jameson DeCarr.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, companion and best friend, Dan, who died January 29, 2013.

A Memorial Service and celebration of the life of Blanche H. Blacksmith will be offered at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 13, 2016, at the First Presbyterian Church of Cooperstown, with the Rev. Elsie Armstrong Rhodes, pastor, officiating.

Immediately following the service, all attending are invited to join with the Blacksmith family for a time of refreshment and fellowship in the adjoining Chapel.

For those who wish to make memorial gifts in memory of Blanche, please consider a donation to the Susquehanna Animal Shelter, 4841 State Highway 28, Cooperstown, NY  13326, or the First Presbyterian Church of Cooperstown Women's Fellowship Building Fund for the benefit of an electronic carillon for the church.

Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.


If you would like to send condolences to the family, send an email to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth. We will forward your comments to the family. If you would like to send flowers in memory of the deceased, contact Mohican Flowers at (607) 547-8822, or A Rose is a Rose at (607) 264-3100.