It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Blanche Elizabeth O’Brien (nee LaValley), November 16, at her home in Pickering. Blanche was an RCAF veteran who served overseas between 1958 and 1961 with 2 Fighter Wing at Grostenquin, France as a Flight Officer Nurse. Upon her return from overseas, she was, at various times, a private duty nurse, a sales executive with both Sarah Coventry Jewelry and Grolier Canada, owner and proprietor of Child’s Play Books, and a nursing unit manager at Toronto East General Hospital. When her health permitted, she enjoyed golf, needlepoint, and, in her younger days, curling. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Terrance, her parents, Louie and Eliza (nee Cameron), her older brother Ray (Verna), her younger brother Don (Thelma), brothers-in-law Jack Fox and Dwight Blair, and nephews Corporal Darren Fox and Darrell LaValley. She leaves behind her brother Glen (Gladys), her sisters Carole, Marie, and Joyce (Louie LaPaire), brothers-in-law Robert (Bonnie Sue) and David (Doug) O'Brien, her sons James, and Sean (Allison), grandchildren Cameron and Bridget, and many nieces and nephews. A visitation will be held on Wednesday evening at Simple Alternative Funerals in Pickering, 1057 Brock Road, L1W 3T7, from 5:30 to 8:30. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Blanche's name to a cancer research organization or support charity, or animal rescue organization of your choice.