Obituary of Blanche Cordery Gandy

Blanche Cordery Gandy, 94, of Columbia, SC, passed away at her home on May 23, 2018 after a lengthy battle with heart disease and dementia.

Blanche was born on July 12, 1923 in Absecon, New Jersey to Edmund C. and Martha Blanche Cordery, following her older brother Edmund. She was married to Leroy C. Gandy on September 23, 1944, in Absecon, NJ, and continued her studies at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. Until her marriage, she had commuted by train from her home in Absecon on the Jersey shore. While at Temple, she worked as a student librarian, was president of the Temple Debate Council, and was the student speaker at her graduation in May of 1945. As a very talented artist, she chose to focus on family and keep that gift as a hobby.

With most of her six children in school, she returned to teaching in 1960 and spent most of her career teaching history at Rancocas Valley Regional High School in Mt. Holly, NJ, where at one point she was named Burlington County Teacher of the Year. As one of those teachers people never forget, she returned the favor with fond memories of all of her students and pride in the lives she touched.

Predeceased by her brother and husband, she is survived by her children Bruce (Cindy Pitcher), Sharon Arthur (Frank Arthur), Colleen, Scott, Kevin (Samantha), and Jay (Rene). She is also survived by a number of nieces, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Blanche will be cremated by Thompson Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 1, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 1000 Greenlawn Drive, Columbia, SC 29209 with Rev. Alice Odell officiating .

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to CARIS Healthcare, 121 Executive Center Drive, Columbia, SC 29210. - www.carishealthcare.com