WATERVILLE -- Blanche E. Burke, 80, passed away on Aug. 31, 2013 at MaineGeneral Medical Center's Thayer Unit. She was born in Oakland on Sept. 25, 1932, a daughter of Lester and Mollie Chapman. She worked for more than 25 years at the former Sacred Heart Nursing and Boarding Home. Blanche loved puzzle making, strawberry picking, taking a Sunday drive, taking care of her pets and caring for her home. She also enjoyed spending time with her three daughters.

She was predeceased by her parents, and siblings Pearl Dean, Beverly Marie Chapman, Charles and Woodrow Dean.

Blanche is survived by her beloved Chihuahua, Joey; three daughters, Sharon Hammer, of Scotia, N.Y., and Debra and Cindy L. Burke, both of Waterville, as well as several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staffs of Woodlands Senior Living for taking such good care of their mother for the past two years, and 2 Central at Thayer for making their mother's last days as comfortable as possible for her and them.

A graveside service will be held at Lewis Cemetery in Oakland on Wednesday, Sept. 4, at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Blanche's memory may be sent to the Waterville Area Humane Society, 100 Webb Road, Waterville, ME 04901.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Veilleux Funeral Home, 8 Elm St. Waterville, ME 04901. www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com.