Carolyn Jean Cooper Blanford, age 88 of Holy Cross, passed away July 20, 2023, at her home.  She was born August 31, 1934, in Marion County.  Carolyn was a faithful and active member of Holy Cross Church. She loved to travel, work puzzles, and was a lifelong reader. She promoted reading by hosting the neighborhood Book Mobile and served on the Marion Co. Library Board. She earned her GED while raising her young children.

Mama was the proud Matriarch of our large family and loved each member unconditionally. She was welcoming and included many others as family along the way. Our large extended family gatherings brought her much joy.  She was known to enjoy the occasional glass of wine or beer and loved her coffee and her sweets! She lived the past nine years with her daughters, Sue and Kay, known to many as the Golden Girls. Their favorite pastime was sitting on the patio, surrounded by flowers, watching the birds and cows.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Joseph H. (Bill, Jr.) Blanford; her parents, Richard J. and Marie Johanna Humkey Cooper; 2 granddaughters and 1 great granddaughter; five siblings, Susan Blanford, Dick Cooper, Mary Jane Nally, Phil Cooper and Rose Ann Ruplinger.

Survivors include ten children, Joe (Peggy) Blanford, Don (LaVerne) Blanford, Sue Carol Smith, David (Ann) Blanford, Kay Emge, Paul (Margaret) Blanford, Richard (Darlene Foster) Blanford, Steve Blanford, Ann (Mitchell) Elder and Mary (Tod) Fetherling; 34 grandchildren, 48 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great grandchildren; two siblings, Charlie (wife Pat) Cooper and Betty Yann.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 am Monday, July 24, 2023, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 59 New Haven Road, Loretto.  Rev. Richard Goodin will officiate.  Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Visitation is 3-8 pm Sunday at Mattingly Funeral Home, 195 Holy Cross Road, Loretto, with a prayer service at 7 pm by Rev. Deacon Joseph R. Dant.