Karol Ann Blanchard

Karol Ann Blanchard, age 61, passed away in Columbia, MD on December 15, 2023.

Born at Prince George's General Hospital in Cheverly, Maryland on June 14, 1962, Karol was the daughter of Morton Knowles Blanchard and Patricia Ann Warren. Throughout her life, she lived in Laurel, MD, Washington, D.C. and Silver Spring, MD.

Karol grew up in Laurel, MD and graduated from Laurel High School. An exceptional athlete, she excelled on the swim team at Montpelier, won physical fitness awards, and played on the Boys and Girls Club girls’ basketball team.

Her dedication to athletics continued through her school years, where she actively participated in physical fitness and basketball.

Karol attended the University of Maryland Baltimore County Campus, earning a bachelor’s degree in science information systems management in 1986. She continued her education at George Mason University Costello College of Business, graduating with an MBA in 1992.

After college, Karol’s adventurous spirit led her across the globe, where she traveled for both work and leisure, exploring Spain, Australia, and Taiwan.

In the DC area, Karol was a proud member of the Philadelphia Celtic Curragh Club, achieving 2nd place in a Regatta 2 man/2 woman race.

Karol was a woman of many remarkable talents. A skilled seamstress and a lifelong member of the Woodworkers Club, she handcrafted many beautiful pieces of furniture. She also found joy in the renovation of houses, using her skills to transform them into cherished homes for resale.

In her professional life, Karol played a pivotal role in building two healthcare software companies. She served as the VP of Technology at Consumer Health Advisers, LLC, and as the Director of Engineering at ValuMed Systems, contributing her expertise as an Information Architect, Software Designer and Developer. Karol’s early experience included a position at Airinc, Inc. in Annapolis, MD. She was well known for her management skills, and she received the General Manager’s Award for outstanding performance. She truly excelled at all her endeavors!

Karol Blanchard is survived by her sister, Kathryn Blanchard LaRussa, her brother, John (Jack) Warren Blanchard, her nephew Vincent LaRussa, Jr. and her niece Elizabeth Ann LaRussa, her uncle, Dr. Bill Warren, first cousins, Bill Warren, Jr. And Eliza Warren, and Bill Warren Jr's 2 children, Oliver Frank Hart Warren and Mary Bond Warren.

Karol was preceded in death by her parents, Patricia Ann Warren, Morton Knowles Blanchard, her grandparents Dr. John Warren and Elizabeth Rice Warren, Oscar Knowles Blanchard, Kathryn Wilson Blanchard and Mary Helen Blanchard, her uncle John McCullen Warren, Jr., his wife Marjo Warren, aunt Julia Blanchard Whitmore, and aunt Nancy Griffin Warren.

Services will be held at St. Philip's Church in Laurel, MD on March 21, at 11am with fellowship at St Philip's at 12pm.  Burial will be later in the week for family members only.

Relatives and friends are welcome at St. Philip's Episcopal church on March 21 for 11am services and a 12pm fellowship.

Please rsvp to kalarussa@gmail.com

The family requests that memorials may be given in honor of Karol Ann Blanchard to the St. Philip's Sanctuary Fund, 522 Main Street, Laurel, MD 20707.

St. Philip's Episcopal Church
522 Main Street, Laurel MD 20707
Tel: 1-301-776-5151