Rosemary Blanchard

Rosemary Blanchard, 82, of Warwick, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 28, 2025, at Kent County Hospital. She was 82 years old and a beloved member of the West Bay RI community for 40 years.

Rosemary was born on September 9, 1944, in her family home in Groton, Vermont. She is survived by her niece, Lori Francis of Milford, New Hampshire, whom she adored. Her close friends, including Laura, Jennifer and Selena, with whom she shared her home, as well as the caring circle of people who supported her daily with warmth, respect and unwavering dedication, all held cherished places in her life. Rosemary was predeceased by her parents, Lyman H. and Roseanna Veronica (Reilly) Blanchard, her brother, Lyman Peter, and her sister, Norma Blanchard Smith.

Rosemary will be remembered for her zest for life and the joy she brought to everyone around her. She had a wonderful sense of humor and a playful, often silly spirit that delighted those she loved. Deeply affectionate and kind, Rosemary made people feel valued simply by being herself. Music was one of her greatest joys, and she especially loved singing along, filling any room with warmth, laughter and her unmistakable presence.

Rose embraced life’s adventures wholeheartedly. In recent years, she traveled with friends to Disney World in Florida and visited Story Land in New Hampshire. As an athlete with Special Olympics Rhode Island, she showed determination, pride and a strong sense of teamwork. She also found great happiness sailing with Sail to Prevail in Newport Harbor, where the wind, the water and the friendships she made brought her immense joy.

A devoted member of her community, Rosemary volunteered with the Beacon Newspaper and even created her own “Dog Cafe” at home, where she welcomed neighbors and their furry friends with coffee, conversation and a smile. She loved her daily coffee and was a familiar face at Honey Dew on Warwick Avenue.

Rose also developed a love for the arts, especially children’s productions at Theatre by the Sea. She never missed the annual West Bay Strides for Independence Walkathon, proudly supporting a cause that meant so much to her. Rosemary was one of the true matriarchs of West Bay RI, deeply woven into its community, and the friendships and memories she created will continue to be treasured.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, January 12, 2026, from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at The URQUHART MURPHY FUNERAL HOME, 800 Greenwich Avenue, Warwick. Funeral service will begin at 1:30 pm. Relatives and friends are invited to gather for a Celebration of Life at West Bay RI, 158 Knight St,. in Warwick immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, monetary gifts in her memory may be given to West Bay Residential Services, 158 Knight Street, Warwick, Rhode Island 02886.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rosemary Blanchard, please visit our floral store.