Blanche Althuser

Obituary Blanche J. (McCormack) Althuser July 2, 1926 ~ December 18, 2012 It is with great love and sadness that we say goodbye to our beloved wife and mother, Blanche Althuser on December 18, 2012 after a long battle with Alzheimer's. Blanche was born in Tacoma, WA on July 2, 1926, and spent most of her life here except for 18 months in Los Angeles and moving around eastern Washington to Cashmere, Wenatchee and Leavenworth as a child. She was the second of 8 children to George and Matilda McCormack. She had three sisters and four brothers. Jim, Chuck and Jack McCormack and Carol Miers-McCormack, all deceased. She is survived by June Holmstrom, Emily Rehn and youngest brother, Andre McCormack (Carla). During WWII, Blanche worked at Boeing as a riveter and had the honor of christening one of two B-17 Flying Fortresses at McChord field climaxing a million and a half dollar war bond drive for Pierce County. She was married for 66 years to Ernest G. Althuser and they had two daughters; Sandra Williamson (Stew) of Phoenix and Cynthia LaGrone (Chet) of Dallas. They also had three grandchildren; Gina and Grant Gerritzen and Stephanie LaGrone. Determined to get her high school diploma, Blanche went to night school and Lincoln in her forties, graduated and went on to Clover Park Vocational School, earning her degree in sewing & design. She loved caring for her family, gardening, bowling, traveling and was always the person everyone turned to in their time of need. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Avamere Georgian House of Lakewood and Franciscan Hospice for the outstanding quality of care, respect and dignity they gave Blanche in her final days. Also, we want to thank Janice Cooper, our dear friend, neighbor and "Angel" for being there for all of us. A Rosary will be held on Friday, December 21, 2012 at 7:00 pm at Gaffney Funeral Home Chapel in Tacoma. Graveside services will be held on Saturday, December 22, 2012 at 1:00 pm at Calvary Cemetery, 5212 70th St. W. in Tacoma. Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneycares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.