Blanche Alice Gagnon
| Marie Blanche Alice Gagnon | |
| Nationality: |  American
|
| Born: | July 7, 1919 Jay, Maine |
| Died: | May 22, 2000 Topsham, Maine |
| Father: | Onesime Gagnon (1892) |
| Mother: | Rosa Yvonne Michaud |
| Spouse: | Walter (Bud) Galuza |
| Married: | Easter, April 5, 1942 |
| Children: | Judith Ann Galuza (adopted) |
| Religion: | Roman Catholic |
| Residence: | |
| Profession: | Housemaid and Nanny Bath Iron Works |
Blanche's Childhood
Blanche was the third child born to Rosa and Onesime. She had an older brother, Bill and an older sister, Cecile. Blanche was born with a big bright personality and a huge, generous heart. She loved to have fun, and playfully teased her younger brothers and sister.
At one point, Rita had gotten a job at Stone Record’s place as a cook, where she earned $3 a week. Rita was very hard-working, and was a good saver. Of all of the kids, Rita probably had the most money, and was serious about how it would get used for her future. Rita remembers the time that Bill and Blanche had decided that they wanted to walk 4 miles into town, to the beer hall, and get a beer and dance. They didn’t have enough money, and asked Rita to borrow 10 cents. Rita, did not approve of such a frivolous way to spend the money she worked so hard to earn, so she refused them. They eventually borrowed the money from Albert, who was much more cavalier with his money and supported the idea of having fun.
1935
A short while later, Blanche was about 15 and had decided to leave home and go to work. The reason was probably because her sister Cecile had already left and gotten married, and there was a new baby in the house. In addition, it was the depression, and she wanted to strike out on her own, and relieve the family of the responsibility of having to feed her. It also satisfied her sense of adventure. She moved to Boston, and got a job as a housekeeper and nanny for a Jewish family, and worked there for a while. However, she left when the husband made a pass at her. With her references, she was able to get another job as a housekeeper and nanny also in the Boston area. She was earning good money in those days, and would sometimes take the train home, and bring presents for Norman and Bobby, who were small.
1940
Blanche decided to have a formal portrait taken of herself while she was still single. It is one of the most beautiful pictures taken in her life.
Please follow the rest of Blanche's life on Bud's page Walter (Bud) Galuza.
