Online Obituaries

CHICOPEE       Mary Blanchette, née Placzek, of Bonneville Avenue, entered eternal life on June 13, 2026. She was born in Ludlow, MA on April 18, 1943. She was predeceased by her parents Michael and Josephine Placzek, her brother Walter, her beloved daughter Sheila M. Gulan, and her loving husband Serge Blanchette.

Mary attended Chicopee public schools and graduated from Chicopee High School, class of 1960. She became a Licensed Practical Nurse in 1962. After her children were grown, Mary worked at Avery Heights Geriatric Campus in Hartford, CT. She retired at 62 after working there for 18 years.

While a communicant at St. James Church in Rocky Hill, CT, Mary was commissioned as a Lay Minister in Healthcare and later a Lay Minister of Liturgy for the Diocese of
Hartford. She was also a Eucharistic Minister of The Holy Communion.

Mary returned to Chicopee after her retirement, continuing her ministry at the Basilica of St. Stanislaus, B.M.. Mary participated in the Ministry of Care & Bereavement Outreach, Spirit Life Committee, and Flower Ministry. Mary decorated the church, worked in the religious booth at the annual bazaar, was a member of the Holy Rosary Society, the St. Vincent de Paul Society, supported the Franciscan Friars Conventuals and The Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Assisi. Mary began the formation of becoming a member of The Third Order of Secular Franciscans. Mary loved God and all His people.  She is a happy, faithful, prayerful, and joyful servant of the Lord.

As a youngster, Mary was a Polish Falcon, as well as a member of Wigzek Polek, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Group 295. She enjoyed performing old Polish folk dancing for both. Mary was a La Leche League leader for 20 years.

In her later years she was active in the Polish Junior League and enjoyed helping with fashion shows and Wigilja. One of Mary’s favorite hobbies was gardening for herself, her family, and her church. She enjoyed singing, yoga, swimming, and traveling. She was most satisfied spending time with her beloved Serge, her children, grandchildren, family, friends, and her St. Stanislaus community. Mary loved to send birthday and holiday cards, always signing them with LOVE, PRAYERS and ALL GOOD. Buzi, Buzi!!

Mary is survived by her children: Barbara Gulan, Patrick (Jennifer) Gulan, Timothy Gulan, John Gulan, stepdaughter Connie (Jack) Laverty, and stepson Serge (Tonya) Blanchette. Mary is also survived by five beloved grandchildren Lindsey Blanchette, Padraig Bond, Kai Gulan, Griffin Gulan, and Charlotte Gulan. She also leaves several cousins and so many friends.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, June 19, 2026 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Cierpial Memorial Funeral Home on 69 East Street in Chicopee. The funeral will be Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 9:00 AM at Cierpial Funeral Home on East Street, proceeding to a 10:30 AM Mass of Christian Burial at the Basilica of St. Stanislaus, 566 Front Street.   Burial will immediately follow at St. Stanislaus Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to the St. Stanislaus Elevator Fund, 566 Front St. Chicopee, MA.