Susan Blanchard

Susan Bird Blanchard, 82, of Mill Gap, Virginia, formerly of Richmond, Virginia, passed away peacefully March 9, 2020 at Richmond Community Hospital.

Susan was born October 8, 1937, daughter of the late Lloyd Campbell Bird and Lucille Crutchfield Bird. She attended St. Catherine’s School and Randolph-Macon Woman’s College.

Upon graduation, she first worked at the Richmond Times-Dispatch newspaper and along the way, enjoyed work and travel at Delanthe Creations and later Tour Plan of Richmond.

Susan raised her family in Richmond before moving in 1998 to Mill Gap into the “Brick House,” her restored home on Back Creek in Highland County. She soon became involved in The Garden Club, Arts Council, and Blanchard Gallery. On Mondays she could be found with her painting group at the Highland Center. Other joyful activities in her life included golf, handbell choir, and weekly yoga class. Susan was an active member of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd where she served on the vestry. She will be remembered for her creativity expressed in her paintings and writings; her enthusiasm for learning; her love of the arts and her love for adventure, which could be a trip to Dolly Sods or a walk along the creek or taking her grandchildren to exotic places.

She was predeceased by her sister Millicent Phinney Brown, and brother, George Campbell Bird.

She is survived by her daughters Lucie Blanchard; Mary Blanchard and husband, Peter Blake of Richmond; her son, David Blanchard and wife, Julia of Mill Gap; her grandchildren, Andrew, Peter and Eleanor Schmalz; Lloyd Blake and wife, Katie; Benjamin and Robert Blake; Grace and Mary Winters Blanchard; her sister-in-law Peggy Bird; nephew Lloyd Bird and wife, Kim; niece Tyler Paul and husband, Ray, and many very special nieces, nephews and friends.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, April 25, 11 a.m. at Beulah Presbyterian Church, Mill Gap, followed by lunch in the fellowship hall.

The family will receive friends Friday, April 24, 5-7 p.m. at “The Brick House.”

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Highland Arts Council, 61 Highland Center Drive, Monterey, VA 24465 or The Highland Inn / Blue Grass Resource Center P.O. Box 113 Blue Grass, VA 24413.