Edna Blanchard, of Powerhouse Rd in Groton, passed away on January 13th, 2018, at Cottage Hospital, after a period of declining health.

Edna was born March 11, 1931, in Barre Vermont to Grace Boyce and Wilbur Chandler.  After her mother passed, during the birth of a younger sibling, Edna was raised in foster care for 10 years.

She married Paul Lakin in April 1947, they moved to Groton where they raised five children.  In October 1968 she married Lyman Blanchard, they also lived in Groton.

Through the years Edna worked at the Egg Plant, Groton Bobbin Mill, and Grafton County Home, where she retired from nursing in 1991, after more than 20 years.

Edna's True Love was spending time with her "crazy" family who she loved to entertain, the more the merrier!  We have fond memories of large holiday gatherings, specifically Christmas Eve, just before we all left she would turn up the scanner so that we knew exactly where Santa was last spotted.  She was always there with an ear for listening and a big heart, full of love!  She never missed a special event for any of her children or grandchildren, weddings, birthdays, baby showers, graduations, dance recitals, and sports games.  Some of her favorite past times included crocheting, cooking, dancing, and playing games.

Edna was predeceased by her husband Lyman, in May 1991, as well as 10 sisters and 2 brothers.

Edna is survived by her sister Janice Smith and husband Phil of Topsham, two daughters, Patricia Page and husband Howard of Ryegate and Paula Emerson of Groton, three sons, Fredrick Lakin and wife Rhonda of South Ryegate, James Lakin and Fiance Stephanie of Charlestown, NH, and Charles Lakin and wife Blenda of Groton.  She is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren, as well as nieces, nephews, and many close family friends.

Know by many names; Mother, Ma, Gram, Grammy, Gramma, Big Gram, Little Gram, and Grammy Edna, she is surely loved and will be missed by so many!

Calling hours will be on Friday, January 19th, from 6 to 8 PM, at the Ricker Funeral Home, 1 Birch Street, Woodsville, NH.

A celebration of life will be Sunday, January 21st, from 1 to 4 PM, at the Groton Community Building, 1476 Scott Highway, Groton, VT.

Burial will be at the convenience of the family in the Groton Village Cemetery.