Dorothy (Hurtado) Blanda of Westerly passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her children on Thursday, April 28, 2022 at the age of 94. She was the wife of the late Anthony J. “Tony” Blanda.
Born in Westerly, she was the daughter of the late Ralph and Ethel Hurtado.
After graduating from Westerly High School, Dorothy worked for the FBI in Washington, D.C. as a part of the World War II effort. Upon returning to Westerly, she married the love of her life and started her beloved family. She was the hostess known for fabulous family celebrations during every season of the year. She was also a former Cub Scout Den Mother, active in Girl Scout troop leadership, and a communicant of St. Pius X Church where she sang in the choir. Dorothy worked at Moore’s Mill and as a salesperson for Fisher’s Big Wheel for many years. Dorothy loved to travel, enjoyed dancing, was a talented seamstress, attended the theatre and was an avid reader of mysteries.
She is survived by her son Michael Blanda of Westerly and three daughters, Sylvia Blanda and husband Walter Young of Kingston, RI, Louise Blanda Wright and husband CSM (Ret) William of Pawcatuck, Diana Blanda and husband Clifford E. Smith III of Westerly, and daughter-in-law Gail Blanda of St. Simons Island, GA. Dorothy also leaves twelve grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and countless other relatives. She is predeceased by her two sons, Anthony Blanda, Jr. (St. Simons Island, GA) and Samuel Blanda (Portsmouth, RI), as well as five siblings: William and Ralph Hurtado, Florence Ruth, Alice Devaney and Mary Parks.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, May 4th at St. Pius X Church, 44 Elm St., Westerly. Interment will follow at St. Sebastian Cemetery, Westerly. There will be no visiting hours. Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice. For online condolences please visit www.gaffneydolanfuneralhome.com