Margaret Blanch

Margaret E. Fries Blanch, 78, of Steelton, passed away Sunday, August 13, 2023, at UPMC Harrisburg Hospital surrounded by her loving family.

She was a retired I.C. Technician for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania - Department of General Services, with over 30 years of service.

She enjoyed playing cards and spending time with friends, including Shirley, Kathy E., Cathy R., LeighBeth, Kathy H., and Mary. She was an avid dog lover, including her dog, Rocky.

Marg, the Breakfast Queen, could typically be found at the 230 or East Shore Diners. She enjoyed shopping as much as she enjoyed Christmas. And, if you combine the two, she was in 7th Heaven. Family gatherings with her beloved FFH gave her the most joy. Mimi never saw a jean jacket she didn''t love. She had a ball playing games, decorating for holidays, watching game shows or DWTS, and working puzzles with her beloved Rocky beside her. It''s a family consensus that Mimi took a concerted interest in all of her grandkids, adored Stone Harbor, NJ, was the most popular grandma in Central PA, made the best roast beef and spaghetti dinners, and was the most generous person we''ve ever known.

Margaret was the daughter of the late Vernon and M. Jane Fairlamb Fries and is survived by three daughters, Andrea Blanch Elhajj, Steelton; Maria Jane Salinger and husband Thomas, West Hanover Twp.; and Pam Blanch-Friedrich and husband Alan, East Hanover Twp.; one sister, Kathryn J. Jones, Steelton; 7 grandchildren, Jayson (Becky) and Riley (AJ) Elhajj; Emilee (Josh) Barwin; Matthew Salinger; and Morea (Matt), Tyler and Olivia Friedrich; two great-grandchildren, Amelia and Jack Barwin; two nephews, Robert and Michael (Kirsten) Jones; 5 great nieces and nephews, Alaina, Elisabeth, Max, Andy and Jack Jones; and beloved cousins. She was preceded in death by her brother, John Fries and granddaughter, Caroline Elhajj.

A Celebration of Margaret''s life will be held on Tuesday, August 22, 2023 at 11:00 am in Wiedeman Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 357 South Harrisburg Street, Oberlin. Burial at the conclusion of services will be in Churchville Cemetery, Oberlin. A visitation will be held on Tuesday from 10:00 am - 11:00 am in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Humane Society of Greater Harrisburg, 7790 Grayson Road, Harrisburg, PA 17111