Nancy M (Pratt) Blanche , VRHS Class of 1976
Albany- Nancy M. Blanche, 68, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at Albany Medical Center following a courageous battle with cancer. Born on November 28, 1957, in Albany, NY, Nancy was the daughter of Eileen Forgea and Norman Pratt. She graduated from Rensselaer Jr./Sr. High School and later earned her degree from Maria College. Nancy went on to enjoy a distinguished career spanning more than 26 years with Albany Medical College, where she was respected and admired by her colleagues. Nancy was married to the love of her life, Lawrence Blanche, for 48 wonderful years. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend who firmly believed in the importance of family. Nancy is now reunited with her beloved baby brother, Gary Pratt, whom she recently lost to ALS. While her family takes comfort in knowing they are together once again, her absence leaves a tremendous void in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. She is survived by her loving husband, Lawrence Blanche; her cherished children, Jennifer Blanche and Jefferey Blanche; her beloved grandson, Landon Michael Blanche; and her siblings, Stephen (Debra) Pratt, Elaine Roy, Carolyn (Dan) Martino, Ken (Kelly) Pratt, Don (Betty) Pratt, Suzanne (Scott) Allison, and sister-in-law, Connie Pratt, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Nancy's family from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, June 5, 2026, at the W.J. Lyons, Jr. Funeral Home, 1700 Washington Avenue, Rensselaer, NY 12144. Nancy's Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at St. John the Evangelist and St. Joseph's Church, 54 Herrick Street, Rensselaer, NY 12144. Interment will immediately follow in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Third Avenue Extension, Rensselaer, NY 12144. Memorial contributions may be made in Nancy's memory to the American Cancer Society.