Anne M. Blanchette- Turcotte

Anne Marie (Blanchette) Turcotte, aged 50, of Danvers, passed away March 18, 2013 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her loving family at Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers. Anne was born in Salem, Massachusetts, August 13, 1962. She was the loving wife of Gene “Mitch” Turcotte, with whom she shared nearly twenty years of marriage. She was the daughter of Gloria (Marchant) and George Lampropoulos, and the late Albert W. Blanchette. Anne was the daughter-in-law to Joan E. Turcotte and the late Gene J. Turcotte of Danvers. In addition to her husband and parents, she is survived by four children: Desiree (Downie) Wynott and husband Brian of Danvers; Jamie Downie and wife Nicole of Jefferson; Michelle (Turcotte) Gilliss and husband Stephen of Danvers; Daniel Turcotte and Gabriella Gregorio of Danvers. She also leaves behind her “special” son, Raul Palma-Saide, of Merida, Yucatan, Mexico. Anne is also survived by her siblings, with whom she shared a special bond, and a large extended family. Surviving her are: Diane (Blanchette) Morin and husband Roger; Jeanne (Blanchette) Fontaine and husband John; Judy (Blanchette) Lombard; Robert Blanchette; Gail Lampropolous; Christine (Turcotte) Valdez and husband Miguel; Daniel Turcotte and wife Bonnie; James A. Turcotte and wife Katie; Patti (Turcottte) DeBie; Paula Turcotte and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her loving aunt June Cuneo and extended family members. Anne was predeceased by her loving niece Jennifer Morin and best friend Marilyn Haley Anne enjoyed spending time at her home in Danvers with family and friends, especially her many grandchildren, who were the apple of her eye. Her surviving grandchildren are Harrison, Tristan, Teagan and Jaiden Gilliss; Jordan Turcotte; Brooke and Luke Wynott and Hannah Downie. Anne graduated from Danvers High School in 1980. She attended Southern Vermont College, Burdette School of Business and the University of Phoenix where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing. Following school she went on to become owner of Salem Trolley, Director of Salem Wax Museum and Marketing and Sales Coordinator at The House of the Seven Gables. She served as President of North of Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) and received many awards for her contributions to tourism, including the Governor’s Award of Appreciation. In November 2012, she was recognized for her contributions as director of the CVB and became the first recipient of an award bestowed in her honor, the Anne Turcotte Leadership Award. Since 1998, Anne had worked for Hawthorne Tours as Head Tour Operator. She was passionate about her work and loved to travel and meet new people. Her selfless and giving nature saw her helping out others in need and making an impact on everyone lucky enough to cross her path. Anne’s passion was spending time with family and friends, traveling, gardening and vacationing at her second home in Bonita Springs, Florida. Anne’s Funeral Service will be celebrated at 10AM on Saturday, March 23, 2013 in the Holy Trinity Methodist Church, Sylvan St., Danvers. Burial will follow in Annunciation Cemetery, Danvers. Visiting hours are Friday from 4-8PM at C.R. Lyons & Sons, Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers. In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy may be made in Anne’s name to the Kaplan Family Hospice House, 75 Sylvan St., Danvers, MA 01923 or The Plummer Home for Boys, 37 Winter Island Rd, Salem, MA 01970.