Mary Ann Blanchette, age 90 of Marshall, formerly of Tracy, passed away with family by her side and in her heart on Thursday, November 18, 2021 at Morningside Heights in Marshall.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, November 26, 2021 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Tracy. Visitation will be 12:00-2:00 p.m. Friday at the church. Interment will be in the Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Tracy.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the St. Mary’s CCW, Catholic Daughters, or the charity of your choice. 

Mary Ann Blanchette was born June 19, 1931 to Theodore and Anna (Robinet) Kack in Marshall, Minnesota.  She attended high school in Marshall, and later completed many certifications from SWMN State including several classes at Gold College later. On August 30, 1949, Mary Ann was united in marriage to Gordon Blanchette. Together they lived in Amiret for a year before moving to Ashton, IA. In 1956, they moved back to Minnesota, north of Tracy, where they spent the rest of their years together. A year following Gordon’s death, Mary Ann moved to Marshall. She was very involved with St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Tracy, where she served as Religious Ed Director for 25 years. She also was a member of the CCW at the parish, region, and Diocese levels, holding many offices for 50 years. In 2019, Mary Ann was named the New Ulm Diocesan CCW Woman of the Year. She was also a member of Catholic Daughters of America for 50 years. Mary Ann was involved with the Gales Township and Redwood County Extension, Tracy Girls’ Club board, was a US Census Enumerator, ASVAB Examiner for the US Government, and a foster grandparent for Lutheran Social Services. She was the Wee World Daycare Director for 6 years, and the Multipurpose Center Director for over 3 years. Outside of her involvement in church and community groups, Mary Ann enjoyed reading, traveling, and attending her children’s, grandchildren’s, and great-grandchildren’s sports and activities.

Mary Ann is survived by her children: Joan (Roy) Woodford of Garvin, Jeff (Anita) of Albuquerque, NM, Robin (Randy) Hudson of Luverne, Kevin (Donna) of Richmond, Kerry (Shawn) Bonk of Appleton, Kristine (Randall) Tietz of Walnut Grove, and Rebecca (Dean) Fredericks of Mankato; grandchildren: Jennifer (Terry) Tucek, Sherry (Brad) Ilse, Jason (Tanya) Woodford, Jami (Shaun) Wahl, Sara Blanchette, Andrew (Randi) Blanchette, Jill (Josh) Arnold, Brad (Lisa) Bonk, Laura (Tim) Peterson, Dustin (Darci) Tietz, Darren (Nicole) Tietz, Denise (Tyler) Clouse, Ian and Derek Fredericks; great grandchildren: Ashley Jannsen, Amber Hammer, Adryen, Landryk, Kennedy, and Madduyx Tietz, Hayden and Quintin Tietz, Brooklyn, Joseph, and Jacob Clouse, Oakley and Harley Wahl, Isaiah Arnold, Sydney, Lucas, and Bennett Bonk, Avery Peterson, Dawson and Jacey Ilse, and Wyatt Blanchette; great step-grandson Aiden Sanow Woodford; great-great-grandchildren: Cecelia and Elliott Jannsen, and Theodore Choate; and many other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Gordon, brothers: Emil, Martin, Theodore, Jr, and Eugene, and sister Eleanor Savoie.