Blanche Louise (Richards) Sharpe

Blanche “Memaw” Louise (Richards) Sharpe

Blanche “Memaw” Louise (Richards) Sharpe, age 81, of Mechanicsburg, passed away on Wednesday, February 22, 2023.  Blanche was born on Sunday, March 9, 1941, in Taunton, MA to the late Edward “Eddie” Richards and Kathleen (LeBlanc) Richards from Nova Scotia, Canada.  Blanche was the widow of Charles “Chuck” McCall Sharpe, Sr., whom she married on June 2, 1960, and who died on January 17, 2021.  In addition to her parents and husband, Blanche is preceded in death by her son, Frederick J. Sharpe, Sr.; and her two sisters: JoAnne Sattely and Carolyn Hawkins.

Blanche’s survivors include her two sons: Charles “Chuck” Sharpe, Jr. and his wife, Stephanie, of Mechanicsburg; Brian Sharpe of Townsend, GA; her seven grandchildren: Matthew Sharpe, Tiffanie Sharpe, Fred Sharpe, Jr., Courtnee Shatto, Jason Sharpe, Cameron Sharpe, William Sharpe; her eight great-grandchildren: Emily Sharpe, Price-Williams Sharpe, Terra Sharpe, Peyton Sharpe, Jacob Sharpe, Henry Sharpe, RaeLynn Shatto, Arabella Sharpe; her sister, Marie Allain; and several nieces and nephews.

Blanche was born and raised in Taunton, MA.  After graduating from Demarest High School, she was awarded a full ride nursing scholarship for her academic honors and a desire to become a nurse.  While attending St. Mary’s Hospital Nursing School, Blanche met her future husband, PFC Charles Sharpe, while attending the Navy’s Fleet Week at the Boston Harbor in 1960.  They quickly fell in love and were married later that same year.  Due to numerous military assignments (Camp LeJeune, NC, Marine Corps Logistic Base, Albany, GA, Marine Corps Base, Kaneohe Bay, HI), and her husband’s two tours in Vietnam, the family moved around every 3 years.  During their final assignment, and prior to her husband’s retirement in 1971, Blanche attended Onslow County Nursing School in Jacksonville, NC and graduated as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).  When Charles retired, the family relocated to his hometown in Toombs County, GA.  Blanche continued her nursing studies there, which ultimately led to her obtaining her BA in nursing and becoming a Registered Nurse (RN).  As a prior service family, they continued to move as if the military was still giving them orders until 1987.  They went back to where it all began in Jacksonville, NC and firmly planted their roots to be close to their first grandchild.  In 1990, their youngest son, Fred Sr., and family moved in.  After her youngest son’s passing, Blanche and Charles took on the primary responsibility of caring for and raising their grandchildren, Matt, Fred Jr. and Jason.  Blanche continued living the life of a healthcare professional until she retired in 2010 due to health issues.  In 2011, her and Charles moved to Pennsylvania to reside with their oldest son, Charles Jr., and his family.  Blanche got to enjoy watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow and play until she passed.  She will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved her.

Blanche’s family will be celebrating her life privately.  Cremation will be private.

Blanche’s family has entrusted her care to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Blanche’s full obituary, view her memorial video, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign her official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.