Obituary of Blanche Lois Pettigrew

Blanche Lois Pettigrew was born on August 28, 1934 in Rahway, NJ to James Edward Pettigrew and Blanche Banks Pettigrew. She had one loving brother, Kenneth Pettigrew and two loving sisters Dorothy Wright ( Reginald) and Lillian Morson (Harrison). As a child Blanche was a model Girl Scout, a superb athlete and an excellent student. She was a member of the all girls softball team, the Roselle Teammates and was known as the pitcher to "watch out for". Blanche was educated in Roselle, NJ and graduated from Abraham Clarke High School, where she was a class officer and a member of the student council. She also excelled in all commercial subjects, especially shorthand. Blanche worked as a secretary and administrative assistant at various organizations including the Roselle Board of Education, the Evironmental Protection Agency and the IRS. She developed a love for antiques and enjoyed the hunt for forgotten treasures at shows and flea markets. There was no one that delighted more in being a mother. Blanche has two children, Charles A. Partt, Jr. (Susan) and Jennifer Pratt-Irons. She loved and mothered not only her own children and many nieces and nephews, but also many children in the neighborhood. As an avid reader and supporter of education, she often shared her passion for learning and encouraged younger generations in higher pursuits. Her support and love was known best by her five grandchildren. Jaunelle Pratt-Williams (Wallrick), Charles A Pratt III, Joel Pratt (Lisa), Jillana Irons and Jessalyn Irons. Blanche loved being in the sun and seeing the world's beaches. She was fortunate to travel throughout the U.S. as well as abroad. She even squeezed in a few trips to the casinos. Those who were fortunate to know Blanche fondly remember her as the life of the party, playing a mean game of 500-rummy and dancing the night away. Blanche passed away peacefully on Thursday October 23, 2014. She was 80 years old and she said that she enjoyed all 80 springs, summers, autumns and winters... well, maybe not all 80 winters.