Blanche J. Martin

Blanche J. Martin, 87, of Rockford, passed away at 6:40 p.m. on Monday, April 23, 2007 at Provena St. Anne Center. Born on March 10, 1920 in Logan County; the daughter of Louis Martin and Ida E. Raber. Blanche received an Associate of Arts Degree from Lincoln Junior College in 1939, a Bachelors Degree in 1960 and a Masters degree from Illinois State University in 1964. She did further studies at Northern Illinois University. She taught school in Lincoln, IL and in Springfield, IL and was the Elementary Principal. During her time in Rockford schools she was the Principal, Director of Elementary Education, Assistant Superintendant for Elementary Education and was elected Regional Superintendent of Schools in Winnebago and Boone Counties. Blanche held many offices in professional organizations such as, State President of IASCD, and past President of Zeta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, President of Northern Illinois Cooperative in Education, Board member for Winnebago County Retired Teachers Association and member of the NEA and IRTA. She served two terms on State Teachers Certification Board and two terms as Member-at-Large on ASCD Board. Blanche received many honors for her dedication and hard work. She was named Conservationist of the Year by the State Department of Education in 1993, Named Outstanding Educator by Northern Illinois Cooperative in Education in 1984, McKinley Award for outstanding performance as student teacher while attending Lincoln College in 1939 and appointed by Hon. John B. Anderson to be his delegate to the White House Conference on Education. Blanche loved playing golf, bowling, walking and biking. She was an enthusiastic sports fan as well. She loved singing in a Classic Chorale and ""Magic Memories"" (a senior citizens group that loves to sing the good old songs). Both groups are invited to perform regularly in the community. Blanche also loved to volunteer at Provena St. Anne Center. She was a member of Lincoln Christian Church. Survivors include niece, Mary Karen (Rick) Jablonski and sister-in-law Bettie Martin; great niece, Stephanie Rosado; great nephew, Robert Cox; great-great nieces, Abby, Lily and Emmie Rosado; great-great nephew, Casey Cox; and long time special friend, Nancy Sandberg. Predeceased by parents and nine brothers and sisters. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 28, 2007 in Lincoln Christian Church with Pastor Tim Searby officiating. Burial in New Union Cemetery, Lincoln, IL. Visitation will be held on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. until service time at the church. A memorial will be established in Blanches name. There will be a memorial gathering in Rockford to be announced at a later date. Arrangements by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford, IL 61108. To