Mary Raymond Blanchard, 77, passed away in the arms of her husband on September 17, 2025, while in hospice care after a lengthy battle with scleroderma induced heart disease and chronic congestive heart failure.

Mary was born in Providence, RI and grew up on Lake Mishnock in East Greenwich with her mother and brother. She attended the University of Rhode Island where she graduated with a bachelor's degree in education. During her university time, Mary spent six months living in France through the Experiment in International Living program. This experience gave her a lifelong love for discovery and learning.

Mary settled in Pensacola in 1984 where she taught at Cordova Park Elementary School and continued to raise her son and daughter. In 1990, Mary and Dr. William (Bill) Blanchard, a pediatric cardiologist at Sacred Heart Children's Hospital, were introduced to each other through their daughters who were swim teammates. Following a two-year courtship, Mary and Bill were married on January 4, 1992, resulting in 33 years of blissful life together.

At Cordova Park Elementary Mrs. Blanchard was known as an oft-requested teacher of second grade who loved her children and loved teaching. When her student list was announced in August, each of her students' names went up on her mirror so she could pray for them. During the first six weeks of every school year, she spent time with each of her students, evaluating each child's level of proficiency in reading, writing, and arithmetic, formulating a learning plan for each student, and encouraging the parents to participate in their child's educational success. When annual standardized school testing was performed, many educators spent time teaching about the test; Mary simply taught more reading, writing and arithmetic, and her classes excelled. The day after testing was declared "Play Day," and she would show up at school in jeans, tennis shoes, and a sweatshirt. The whole class went out on the playground and would individually challenge Mrs. Blanchard to various feats of "daring do" on the monkey bars and playground equipment, and they would enjoy the excitement of examining the various bugs and frogs found in the field. At the end of each day, whether it was a regular day, a testing day, or a Play Day, each child got a hug from Mrs. Blanchard. She truly loved children and watching their minds and creativity grow.

She is survived by her husband of 33 years, Dr. William Blanchard; her son, Kevin Raymond; daughter, Kristin Thomas (Chip); and stepdaughter, Laurie Blanchard (Dave). She has four grandchildren, Chad Thomas (Katie), Missy Thomas, Holly Raymond, and Kate Raymond. She was preceded in death by her mother Edna Parenteau Rajotte who died just shy of her 100th birthday.

A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 3400 Bayou Blvd, Pensacola on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 10:00 AM. The Reverends Hugh Hamilton and James McTyre officiating. Former students of her are welcome to attend. Livestream link: https://youtube.com/live/iwxhnNtuPZo

The family would like to offer special thanks to Drs. Brent Videau, Donald Blackmon, and the EP physicians at Baptist Hospital as well as the entire nursing staff in the Neurology ICU for their dedicated care. And special thanks to all the friends, colleagues, and congregation and staff of Trinity Presbyterian Church for their prayers and support throughout.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations on behalf of Mary Blanchard can be made to Trinity Presbyterian Church (3400 Bayou Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32503) or to Sacred Heart Foundation; please direct donation to the Children's Hospital (5225 Carmel Heights Drive, Pensacola, FL 32504).