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Lucille Moniz

August 16, 1924 - July 15, 2016
Portage, MI

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Service

Monday, July 25, 2016
11:00 AM EDT
Life Story Funeral Homes - Rupert, Durham, Marshall & Gren
Portage Location
5975 Lovers Lane
Portage, MI 49002
(269) 344-5600
Driving Directions

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

Charity of Choice

Flowers


Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.

VanderSalm's Flipse
1120 S. Burdick
Kalamazoo, MI 49001
(800) 232-7134
Driving Directions
Web Site

Ambati
1830 S. Westnedge
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(269) 349-4961
Driving Directions
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


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Print

Throughout her life Lucille Blanchard Moniz approached each day with a kind of fun-loving attitude that is truly rare. She embraced every single one of life's moments and experiences, almost as though she were carefully crafting each minute to be the most fun it could possibly be. She had the unique ability to seek out a good time, find her own fun, and make wearing a smile every day seem effortless.

1924 found America winding down its first 25 years of the 20th century. Calvin Coolidge was President and 1924 witnessed the birth of many famous people – Marlon Brando, Doris Day, and George Bush, who would go on to become the 41st President of the United States.

Leonard and Yvonne (Poitras) Blanchard lived in New Bedford, Massachusetts in 1924. During the 19th century New Bedford was one of the most important whaling ports in the world and had earned the nickname. “The Whaling City”. Now in the 20th century, none of this was important to Leonard and Yvonne. They were excitedly awaiting the birth of their first and only child. On August 16, 1924, they welcomed the birth of a beautiful baby girl they named Lucille.

Lucille went to school in New Bedford and graduated from New Bedford High School in 1941. She had learned to sew and especially liked making quilts. While at a sewing club meeting she met a young lady whose brother was John Moniz. A friendship developed which blossomed into love and Lucille and John were married on August 25, 1945. Lucille had just turned 21.

After marriage, the couple moved to Wilmington, Delaware, where she worked as a secretary for Dupont. There she was one of the first models for their new product - nylon stockings!

Now happily married, they were ready to start their family. The Moniz family grew with the addition of Claire, Steven, Christopher and Amy; and always a cat or two. Lucille was a happy and feisty woman who enjoyed entertaining in their home. She was a very good cook with spaghetti and lasagna being her favorites. When not caring for her family, Lucille enjoyed several hobbies in her spare time. Besides quilting, she played Bridge and in the good weather, could be found working in her garden. As busy as she was, Christmas was Lucille’s favorite holiday, because it meant that all of the family would be together.

Lucille also liked to travel. She and John both enjoyed going to Corpus Christi, Texas, where for over 15 years, they went to get away from the cold winters. She went on many cruises, including destinations to Hawaii, Alaska, Panama, Peru, Portugal and Morocco, but wasn’t too crazy about flying. If she could get to wherever she wanted to go without having to go by plane, she was that much happier.

Lucille often listened to country western music and was a collector of stuffed bears, jewelry and beautiful Waterford crystal. Sadly, Lucille Blanchard Moniz died on July 15, 2016 at the age of 91, having lived a long and love-filled life.

Lucille is survived by her four children: Claire (Richard) Mackey of Vicksburg; Steven Moniz of Portage; Christopher (Patricia) Moniz of Virginia; and Amy (Michael) Smith of Pennsylvania; six grandchildren: Tracy Mackey of Vicksburg; Janna (Joseph) Weeks of Virginia: Matt Mortimer of Comstock; Richard “Jay” Mackey of Vicksburg; Madeline Smith of Pennsylvania; and Evan Smith, of Pennsylvania; nine great grandchildren: Bailey, Connor, Gavin, John, Connie, Dylan, Patrick, Jesse and Kyle. She was preceded in death by her husband, John and her parents Leonard and Yvonne (Poitras) Blanchard.

A memorial service will be held Monday, July 25 at 11am at Life Story Funeral Home (5975 Loves Lane, Portage. (269)344-5600).

Please visit Lucille’s webpage at www.lifestorynet.com where you can read her life story, sign the guestbook, and share a memory or photo. Those who wish may make a contribution to the charity of their choice.

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