Blanche M. Elms

ALBANY – Blanche M. Elms, 81, passed away on Sunday, January 6, 2008 at Albany Memorial Hospital.
Blanche was born on September 8, 1926 in Cleveland, OH and was the daughter of the late Adelard and Mary Van Guilder Gaillardy. She attended Glens Falls High School after moving to New York State. She was first employed by W.F. Woolworth from 1941 to 1949 as assistant manager for nine years. She took a correspondence course from the Washington School of Arts from 1942 to 1944. She also worked as a mental health hygiene attendant for NYS in Letchworth Village, Thiells, NY.
Blanche moved to South Mall Towers in 1988, she then transferred to Westview Homes on June 29, 1992, where she became a fixture at the puzzle table and was known for her elaborate crafts and decorations. She was a member of the Westview Tenants Association where she proudly served as vice president for 10 years. She also volunteered at the thrift shop at Louise Corning Center and was a communicant of Blessed Sacrament Church.
Blanche is survived by her son, Kenneth T. Elms; her daughter, Kathleen Elms; 6 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; her dear friend, Dale Richardson and her many friends at Westview. She was predeceased by her husband, Thomas Elms and her daughter, Rosemary Elms.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Blessed Sacrament Church, Albany. A calling hour will be held at New Comer-Cannon Family Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie (Rt. 155-south of Central Ave.) on Thursday from 9 to 10 a.m. Interment Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, Colonie.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Westview Senior Center, 680 Central Ave., Albany, NY 12206.