Northborough – Irene (Kumle) Blanchard, 91, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2017, at Beaumont of Worcester. Her husband David F. Blanchard died in 2008. She leaves behind her children; Michael Blanchard and his wife Diane of North Port, Fl; Pam Appell of Mendon; Jonathan "Jay" Blanchard and his wife Mary of Sterling; 6 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; her sister, Gloria Briggs of Oxford; her brother, Karl Kumle Jr. of TN; many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by a great-granddaughter, Lauren Diane Bradbury. Born in Brooklyn, and raised in Worcester, she was the daughter of Karl and Hilma (Waro) Kumle. Irene and her husband moved to Northborough in 1955 to raise their family. She lived on Meadow Rd. from 1955-2014. Mrs. Blanchard graduated from the former Commerce High School. During World War II, she worked for Raytheon Corp. She was a former Girl Scout leader and a member of St. Rose of Lima Parish. An avid reader, Irene also enjoyed traveling, cooking and playing the harmonica. Years ago, she volunteered as a librarian at Peaslee Elementary School.

A calling hour will be held Tuesday, May 2, 2017 from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. in Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main St. Northborough. Her funeral Mass of Resurrection will follow at 11 a.m. in St. Rose of Lima Parish, 244 West Main St. She will be laid to rest beside her husband David in Howard St. Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: www.marchforbabies.org/Fundraising/Personal?personId=1490374&participantId=8174334&user=lisabradbury&bt=34

For online condolences, please www.haysfuneralhome.com