Veronica Blanton

Veronica “Ronnie” Blanton, 88, died peacefully February 16, 2010 at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Patrick and Darlene Donnelly. She lost her battle to pulmonary fibrosis but never lost her positive attitude.

Born September 12, 1921 in Staten Island, NY she was the daughter of Ethel Taylor Fox and Reuben Fox. She graduated from McKee Career and Technical High School, Staten Island in 1939 with a Regents diploma and credentials in dietician studies and cooking- a skill she delighted many with, from every kid in the neighborhood to her beloved Dr. Johnson.

On June 10, 1945 she married John Nathan Blanton, of Palestine, Texas and they lived in Staten Island until John came to work for Sunmount in Tupper Lake in 1951.

Ronnie’s life was dedicated to her family, children, and anchored in her faith. She and John raised 3 children, Darlene, Cheryl, and Clark, and adopted one child, Paula. To her, all of her children: each and every generation, were absolutely flawless and their accomplishments ranked as the most outstanding.

Her easy going friendly ways made her home a haven for folks and kids of all ages. “Ma Blanton”, as she was fondly called, was known to always be available with a listening ear, lots of home-made goodies, a bed to sleep in, or whatever was needed. An excellent conversationalist, she willingly shared entertaining stories. Ronnie had a gift of making each person feel special and each visitor truly welcome and important! She provided an open door and an open heart to all, including 62 foster children! For as long as her health allowed, she tried to keep track of and honor each of those children with birthday and Christmas cards and little gifts.

In her unassuming way, she quietly went about making a difference. She was involved as a Girl Scout leader in Staten Island and Tupper Lake for 30 years. She canvassed the neighborhood collecting for the Heart Fund, Cancer Society, and Diabetes Association. Heavily involved in her parish, she taught Sunday School for more than 30 years, served on the Altar Guild, the Prayer Team, and contributed to the church coffee hour by providing a small feast nearly every Sunday for as long as she possibly could. . She gave of her time, talents and self, and never sought or expected any recognition. Giving, loving and doing was the who that she was.

Ronnie always enjoyed life to the fullest! As an avid music lover she enjoyed singing and dancing. She also enjoyed camping, traveling, reading, crafts, cooking and most of all---family time. In this final journey, she treasured all visits and was thrilled with her “new Hospice friends”.

Veronica was pre-deceased by her beloved husband of 55 years, two sisters: Lillian (Fox) Doran and Ruby (Fox) Ramage, and 1 brother, Franklin Fox. She is survived by her children and their spouses: Darlene and Patrick Donnelly of Tupper Lake, Cheryl and Alan Tarbox of Piercefield, Sam Clark and Therese Blanton of Mt. Sinai, and Paula Blanton of Tupper Lake, 12 grandchildren: Heidi Ellis, Kevin Hesseltine, Kelly Donnelly, Greg Tarbox, Amy Dreslinski, Carrie Tarbox, John, Christen, Mary Liz, and Luke Blanton, and Michael and Annette Fox, 9 great-grandchildren, 7 great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews that she held close to her heart.

Calling hours will be held at St. Thomas Episcopal Church on Friday, February 19th from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00. Father Wm. Cooper will be officiating at a Rite of Christian Burial on Saturday at 10:00 AM also held at St. Thomas on 8 Brentwood Av. in Tupper Lake.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent in Veronica’s name to St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 8 Brentwood Av. Tupper Lake, NY 12986 or High Peaks Hospice, PO Box 840, Saranac Lake, NY 12983. Online condolences may be made at www.stuartfortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.