Obituary of Blanch, Carmel

Carmel Blanch passed away peacefully, Sunday November 16, 2014 at the age of 98. Carmel was born September 16, 1916 in Youngstown, Ohio to Joseph and Fortunata Martino Gamgene. From the age of two, Carmel was raised by her maternal aunt, the late Rosie Delaney, in Sherman, N.Y. Upon graduation from Meadeville High School in 1934 she moved back to Youngstown, where she worked for Immigration Services. A mutual friend introduced her to Alfonso Blanch, whom she married on November 21, 1940. They shared a beautiful life together for her 57 years. They were separated in death when her husband passed away in 1997. Carmel worked for Grants Department store; Sears and Roebuck for 20 years retiring in 1974. Her goal was always to bring help financially, buying and selling family homes to build a nest egg and bring in extra income as a landlord. After retirement, her and her husband lived in New Orleans,LA and Hallandale Beach, Florida. She was a member of St Matthews Catholic Church of Hallandale , Florida, and of The Italian Club of Hollywood, Florida where she served as recording secretary. Carmel was also preceeded in death by her son, Anthony Joseph Blanch (2005) her parents, a sister, Mary Gamgene Weatcher (1979) a brother Michael Joseph Gamgene (1989). and her son-in-law, Thomas Allen McKinney (November 14, 2014). She leaves a daughter, Rosanne Blanch McKinney of Carrollton, Texas, three grandchildren: Alexander William Bilancia, his wife, Leslie Curry, Deana Elizabeth Blanch of Hattiesburg, MS; Allen Robert McKinney of Carrollton,TX; a new great-granddaughter, Carmella Alexandria; many nieces and nephews and cousins in France and Australia. Carmel will be buried in Hollywood, Florida beside her husband and son. Funeral Mass will be held on November 19, 2014 at St. Catherine of Siena, 1705 Peters Colony Rd., Carrollton, TX 75007 at 10:00 am with visitation beginning at 9:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name can be made to St. Jude's Children's and Research Hospital.