Maureen Louise Blanchard

The unofficial mayor of State Street, Maureen Louise Blanchard, 73, has departed into the great hereafter.

Maureen was born into a Gulf Coast military family but she started her life in the “Golden Era” of California along with her siblings Moe and Sue. Though proud of her father’s service in the US Air Force, Maureen chose a more independent, artistic life (probably because of the spirit of her late mother Myrtle). Skipping from one state to the next, her time in Vail, CO, Atlanta and Savannah, GA, New Orleans, LA and New York allowed her untold life experiences that brought her to the interests and intersections of gemology, illustration, and vintage clothing. Later in life, she revitalized a dozen residences in the Waveland and Bay St. Louis area; most notably, ten historic homes on the northern end of State Street. Maureen was a nature and animal lover, with several beloved cat and dog companions shadowing her over the years. Her arthritic dog Watson was by her side until his passing this year on Independence Day. She was incredibly concerned about climate change and for the avian and aquatic life of the greater Gulf Coast, though she never skipped out on devouring deviled crabs, royal red shrimp and an occasional filet of flounder. Maureen was an often-called upon professional in the national Antiquing and Vintage scenes. Her deep knowledge of furniture, WPA-era art, jewelry and clothing was endless, with clients as far as Australia and Europe. As an artisan, she produced handmade wares that were of extreme beauty and detail. She also kept meticulous genealogical records, a rather consistent pastime she shared with relatives. Her gift of telling Blanchard tales of mythic proportions were thoroughly revered by her friends and close familial ties.