Obituary of Dora Mercedes Blanchett

Dora Mercedes Blanchett,79, passed away on July 04, 2021, in New Brunswick NJ.

Dora was born in Tunja, Colombia and later moved to Bogotá where she lived until Emigrating to the United States at age 16. She lived in Flushing, Queens and, after finishing high school, married Donald (Eddie) Blanchett on July 14, 1962. They settled in Lodi until moving to Monroe Township where they raised their family.

Dora was, in addition to being a stay-at-home Mom, a cafeteria worker and bookkeeper for the Monroe Twp. School system until her retirement in 2015. Having deep faith, she was a communicant at Immaculate Conception Church in Spotswood, where she was a member of the Altar Rosary Society, Marriage Encounter Movement and worked with the parish Christmas Toy Drive for over 25 years.

Dora LOVED owls and had a vast collection of figurines and paraphernalia. But – of course – her love for owls did not trump her love for family, especially being grandma “Ma ‘D’”. Dora was fond of the color orange, even owning an orange Volkswagen Squareback for many years. Additionally, she loved her dog “Kira” a fellow Colombian and loyal friend.

Dora is preceded in death by her parents, Hernando and Hilda Leal; her sisters, Maria Christina, Sonia and Miriam and her daughter in law, Mary Lee Blanchett.

Dora is survived by her dear husband Eddie as well as her loving children: her son, the Reverend Edward H. Blanchett of Brick Township; her daughters, Sandra Zema (Anthony) of Jamesburg; and Nancy Bourne (John) of Spotswood. She is also survived by her brother, Humberto Leal (Vicky) of Emerson. “Ma ‘D’” will be greatly missed by her grandchildren, Amanda and Michael Zema.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 8, 2021, at 4:00pm – 7:00pm and Friday, July 9 at 9am at DeMarco Funeral Home (205 Rhode Hall Road, Monroe Twp). Dora’s Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30am in Immaculate Conception Church (18 South Street, Spotswood). Entombment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Cranbury. Donations in Dora’s name may be made to the dementia foundation of your choice.