Phyllis Hayes Blanchard

Phyllis Hayes (Dawn) Blanchard Devoted Mother and Friend to Many Mrs. Daryl R. Blanchard, 89, died peacefully April 10, 2023, at Althea Woodland Nursing Home in Silver Spring Maryland. Phyllis was born March 27,1934, to loving parents, Carl and Rose Hayes of Ashland, Kentucky and was raised there with her stepbrother, Dickie Hayes. Phyllis attended the University of Kentucky and graduated in 1958. She was a lover of literature, history, art, architecture, animals (especially birds), flowers and the Toledo Metroparks. She met her husband Daryl when she worked at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio during the summer while attending the University of Kentucky. Soon after marriage they lived in Cincinnati, Ohio where Phyllis taught middle school English and Daryl pursued a master’s degree in architecture at the University of Cincinnati. That was followed by time at Cornell University, Ithaca New York, and Karlsruhe, Germany where Daryl was stationed with the 555 Engineer Group in 1962. Eventually settling in Toledo, Ohio, and making a home, Phyllis was involved in many organizations and groups, including Questers, the Ottawa Hills Garden Club, the English-Speaking Union (where she headed the Toledo area Shakespeare Society annual competition) and the Toledo Botanical Garden. Phyllis was also involved in many Toledo city planning initiatives and historic preservation works. Phyllis is survived by her sons Christopher (Haida) Blanchard, of Takoma Park, Maryland and John Blanchard of Chicago, Illinois, as well as two grand children, Lila and John Blanchard. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Susanne (Toshio) Akamatsu of Tacoma, Washington and their children John, David, Anne and Joel Akamatsu. She was preceded in death by her husband Daryl in October, 2016. Phyllis will be especially remembered for her humor, fun presence and wisdom. She always had an interesting story to share and a warmth that brought people together. Phyllis was the person to go to for a good suggestion and solution to any type of project. She was well-read and carried a trove of knowledge on a wide range of subjects. She always made certain those around her felt important and heard. Funeral Services will held at St. Michael’s in the Hills Episcopal Church, Ottawa Hills, Ohio, May ____ 2023. Memorial contributions are suggested to the church; Toledo Botanical Garden, 5403 Elmer Dr., Toledo, OH 43615; The Toledo Museum of Art, 2445 Monroe St., Toledo, OH 43620; or the Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Way, Toledo, OH 43609.

Phyllis Hayes Blanchard

March 27, 1934 - April 10, 2023