Jeanne Anne Blatchford

Jeanne Hormann Blatchford passed away on January 9, 2025 at the age of 87, after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Jeanne was married to Lynd Blatchford for 66 incredible years.  True companions, they faced  life’s journey together, forging through challenges and embracing joy. Their love was inspirational and exemplified  equality, respect, trust and unwavering devotion.

Jeanne believed in equality and equity for all. She raised her three daughters to believe that they were equal. She defied societal norms that undermined women’s equity and encouraged her three daughters to believe in their equality and not let social norms disrupt their dreams or passions. She taught them to believe in themselves and not let others interpretations or beliefs undermine their goals.

Jeanne grew up in Lewiston, Maine- achieved many awards for her debating skills, acted and participated in many clubs. She graduated in 1955 from Lewiston High School and began her next adventure at Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She was awarded her teaching degree in 1959, later receiving her Masters in Art Therapy from Lesley University in 1982.

Jeanne was a fiber artist, teacher, advocate, humanitarian, environmentalist, feminist, amazing wife, mom, and bad ass grandma. She was always open to new challenges- from trying decoupage, making Rya rugs, to spinning, weaving, felting, knitting, quilting and sewing. Her artistry was not only beautiful but also a heartfelt expression of love, as she often gifted her creations to those she cared about.  

Throughout her life, Jeanne loved to sing, dance and act. Those who knew her would hear her singing with her daughters or dancing and acting with her grandchildren. She even played a key role in her grandson’s short movie for his Emerson College application. She loved to play games, read, and socialize with friends and family. Jeanne was very proud of her children and truly embraced their accomplishments and successes. She was equally proud of her grandchildren- often found to be crying at her granddaughter’s dance performances and gymnastics meets, to acting in her grandson’s early films. She would often talk about her children and her grandchildren- and was very proud of what they had become.

Jeanne had a passion for teaching and advocacy. She began her career as a kindergarten teacher, later finding her pathway to advocacy, art therapy and working for elder rights. Her leadership skills shone in numerous roles including serving as President of the Unitarian Fellowship in Falmouth, Massachusetts. She fought fiercely for elder rights when she worked for Living is For the Elderly, as well as at Beth Israel in Boston, Massachusetts on their Diagnosis Related Groups (DRG) program, and Cape and Islands Elder services. Jeanne concluded her career as a preschool teacher at St. Peters Pre School in Osterville Massachusetts.

Jeanne loved animals and taught at Drumlin Farm in Lincoln, Massachusetts. She cared for many wounded creatures, including birds. Her home was a sanctuary for stray cats, always welcoming them with open arms. She rescued her first Afghan hound, Shakira, saving her life. Her passion for dogs, extended to training, field work, agility, and nose work. She enjoyed showing her dogs- as well as grooming- and training her Afghan Hounds to be certified companion dogs. Her dogs were more than pets – they were cherished family members. Her 21 year old terrier mix- Sophie- who recently passed away- was her steady companion throughout many of the harder and darker days of Parkinson’s.

In 1996 Jeanne and Lynd moved to North Berwick to raise Llamas on their Llamas farm. They became heavily involved with the Maine Llama Association and the Llama Drill Team. Jeanne and Lynd were very involved in the Llama Drill team, and assisted in the coordination of Drill Team Events at the Fiber Frolic, and the Fryeburg Fair. Jeanne and Lynd had many adventures with their Llamas, as well as exploring the outdoors, hiking and enjoying the ocean with their dogs.

Jeanne approached life with determination and grace, including  her diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease. She faced the disease head on, telling others that it was not going to take her down. She fought the disease with ferocity. She researched treatments and exercises, and donned her pink boxing gloves and went to Rock Steady Boxing. Her unwavering determination inspired everyone around her.  The family would like to thank Rock Steady Boxing for their incredible support throughout her journey with the disease.

Jeanne epitomized grace- as her body changed and her ability to weave, spin, sew, quilt or knit became impossible because of Parkinson’s- she adapted to these changes and fought harder, her smile and sparkling eyes undiminished.  When Jeanne became homebound, . Rachel Gulotta came into her life and quickly became her best friend and cherished member of the family. Rachel provided her with laughter, stories, and unwavering support- thank you.  As the disease took its final toll- Wentworth Hospice Care provided Jeanne with the most caring, supportive and professional care. They assisted her and the family through the most difficult transition. We thank the entire team.

Jeanne Blatchford leaves her husband of 66 years, Lynd Blatchford, her daughters, Judith Blatchford and her wife, Irasema Mendoza, Karen Blatchford, Sandra Blatchford and her husband, Carl Gustafson, and her two grandchildren, Jordan Gustafson and Abigail Blatchford. She is predeceased by her parents, Alfred and Stephanie Hormann of Lewiston, Maine.

Jeanne’s beautiful smile and twinkle in her eyes will remain in our hearts. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. In Jeanne’s honor we also ask that each day you practice a small act of kindness.

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