01/08/2026
A champion of
Adoption Connections and
an early birthmother
using her voice
Deborah Blanchard Obituary
Deborah (Huse) Blanchard graced this world with her luminous presence on April 27, 1930, and she graced the next world on January 5, 2026.
Deborah was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Earl and Bertha (Polly) Huse, her eldest son George Fonteno, her brother Robert Huse, and her sister and brother-in-law, John and Priscilla (Huse) Anthony. Their memories remain cherished by all who knew them.
She is survived by her devoted husband, John (Jack) Blanchard, her son David Fonteno, and her daughter Denise Belair. Deborah also leaves behind two treasured grandchildren, Cesca Wolos-Fonteno and Daniel Fonteno. Her family circle extends to her sister-in-law, Margarete Arndt, daughter-in-law, Mary Wolos, as well as aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews, all of whom feel her loss deeply.
Deborah graduated from Rogers Hall and attended Northeastern University as well as The New England Conservatory of Music. Music and singing were her great loves; a lyric soprano, she gave her first concert at age 13 and continued to sing professionally for many years throughout the New England area.
Deb will be profoundly missed by countless friends and by the many individuals she supported through her tireless dedication to changing legislation to open adoption records, and to the Adoption Triad which includes Adoptees, Adoptive Parents, and Birth Parents. Her legacy of compassion and service endures in the hearts of those she touched throughout her life. Many of these folks delighted Deb by attending her 95th birthday gala this past year, thanking and honoring her.
Deb continually sought to expand her understanding of the world. Possessing an insatiable curiosity and a deep passion for knowledge, she loved to travel with her husband and later often spent time immersed in books spanning a wide range of genres. During the many winters spent in their beloved Boca Raton, FL home, Deb actively participated in the local Socrates Café and thrived on intellectual discussions and discourse.
Her competitive spirit shone through during board games, where she not only played enthusiastically but also delighted in inventing new rules. Beyond these pursuits, Deb loved learning about the lives of those around her. She engaged warmly with everyone she met—wait staff, neighbors, family, and friends—always eager to hear their stories and gain insight into their experiences.
Despite a number of traumas in her life, she chose to live a life of meaningful acts of love and service, never speaking ill of others.
Deb’s proudest achievements include her 62-year marriage to John, raising their daughter, Denise, writing and publishing her autobiographical book, Love Never Leaves at age 92, and her 30 years working with Susan Darke and the Adoption Connection. Her biggest regret is that she did not have the opportunity to raise her two sons.
The family will have a private service at the Peck Funeral Home 516 Washington St. Braintree on Thursday, January 15th from 12:00 -2:00 P.M. Burial will follow at Blue Hill Cemetery, Braintree.
In lieu of flowers, please offer kindness to a stranger; make someone happy. That is the best way you can honor her memory.
