Eileen G. Blanchette's Obituary
Eileen Gertrude (Fairburn) Blanchette, of Charlotte, North Carolina and formerly of Lawrence, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2026, the day after celebrating her 97th birthday. Few people are blessed with the opportunity to witness such sweeping change firsthand, and Eileen's nearly century-long life carried her from the Great Depression and World War II through the space age and the digital revolution, all while creating a legacy of family, faith, and love that endured through every era.
Born in Lawrence, Massachusetts on May 31, 1929, she was the daughter of the late John W. and Mary Agatha (Hines) Fairburn. Eileen was baptized at St. Patrick Church in Lawrence, where her lifelong Catholic faith was first nurtured. She attended St. Patrick Grammar School and later graduated from Punchard High School in Andover.
Eileen married the love of her life, Edgar "Buddy" Blanchette, at St. Patrick Church. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and service, raising four children. When Buddy's employer relocated operations to North Carolina, the family made Charlotte their home, where Eileen lived for more than fifty years.
Her faith was not simply something she believed; it was something she lived every day. Eileen found great joy in caring for others, opening her home to those in need, supporting unwed mothers, and offering encouragement and many times opened her home to anyone facing difficult circumstances. She had a gift for making people feel welcomed, valued, and loved.
Eileen began her working career in the loan department at Andover National Bank in Massachusetts. After moving to Charlotte, she worked at St. Gabriel Catholic School, the Unitarian Universalist Community of Charlotte, Charlotte Rehabilitation Hospital, and later Kimley-Horn, where she retired.
While her kindness touched many lives, her family will especially remember her strength, unwavering faith, and unmistakable presence. Though only 5'3", Eileen had a way of making her point known. Children, grandchildren, family, and friends alike understood that when Eileen pointed her finger, it was wise to pay attention. That gentle but unmistakable reminder to do the right thing became one of the many ways she expressed her love. How blessed are we to have witnessed her commitment to the Gospel of our Savior!
Eileen was predeceased by her beloved husband, Edgar "Buddy" Blanchette; her son, Daniel Blanchette; her brothers, John, wife Mildred, William, wife Peggy, and Richard, wife Delores, Fairburn; her brother-in-law, Joseph, wife Nancy, Blanchette; and her son-in-law, David Farrell.
She is survived by her children, Frances Farrell of Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Paul and his wife Kate of Mint Hill, North Carolina; and Eileen Coffman and her husband, CDR Mark Coffman, of Norfolk, Virginia. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Adam and Tess Blanchette, Brian Blanchette, Mary Beth Coffman, Cassidy Coffman, her fiancé Spencer Smiley, and Matthew Coffman. In addition, she leaves behind her foster daughter, Betti Bell; her devoted friend and caregiver, Anna Young; the son of her heart, Mauricio West, as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
Family and friends are invited to visit at Methuen Family Funeral Home, 233 Lawrence Street, Methuen, Massachusetts, on Saturday, June 13, from 9:00 to 10:15 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Patrick Church, 118 South Broadway, Lawrence, at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:
Lawrence Catholic Academy
101 Parker Street
Lawrence, MA 01843
https://www.lawrencecatholicacademy.net/
Mira Via
PO Box 11499
Charlotte, NC 28220
https://miravia.givevirtuous.org/donate/online-giving
St Luke Catholic Church Building Fund
9800 Fairview Rd.
Mint Hill, NC 28227
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