BEVERLY - Ms. Kathleen Eve Blanton, 52, of Beverly, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, January 24, 2019 at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, surrounded by her loving family.

Daughter of the late William and Barbara (Angwin) Blanton, Kathy was born in Danvers and raised in Topsfield.

Kathy had a joyous and infectious spirit that impacted everyone she met.

She was a proud graduate of the Learning Prep School in Newton and on that foundation, defied the odds and lived independently. Kathy was employed at Stop and Shop in Beverly as a bagger for over 16 years. She took incredible pride in her work and thoroughly enjoyed the social interactions with her coworkers and customers, especially babies!

Starting at a young age as a Candy Striper at Hunt Memorial Hospital, Kathy actively volunteered throughout her life, using the opportunities to expand her capabilities. While volunteering at the New England Home for the Deaf in Danvers, she honed her sign language skills. She volunteered at The Greater Boston Food Bank by supporting special events, assisting with administrative work, as well as coordinating canned food drives within her living community.

Anyone lucky enough to bask in Kathy's thousand-watt smile or to be greeted by her with outstretched arms and a hug, knew her as outgoing, fun, and loving, and always the brightest personality in the room. She loved music and theatre, and was usually the first one on the dance floor. Water, be it the ocean, Lake Winnipesaukee or a river, was special to her. Boating, kayaking, and fishing throughout New England with her family and friends made special memories. Over several years, she enthusiastically developed her swimming technique at the Beverly YMCA and was proud of her accomplishments.

Her affinity for horses helped define Kathy. For 15 years, Kathy participated weekly in therapeutic riding lessons at Windrush Farm in North Andover. Gradually building her strength and her confidence, she achieved the goal of riding a horse independently, without assistance - a milestone she had steadfastly worked toward over many years. Still determined to do more, she pressed on with her learning and recently defied even more odds by riding independently at a posting trot. Kathy participated in the Special Olympics, winning many gold, silver, and bronze medals over the years.

Kathy was a caring daughter, sister, and aunt who loved traveling with her family. She inspired others by the joy she embodied and the enthusiasm she brought to every activity. Ever upbeat and independent, she was deeply loved by her family and will be greatly missed by them and her many friends. Surviving Kathy is her sister Cheryl Blanton and Cheryl's husband Barry Milanese of Amesbury, and her brother Russell Blanton and his wife Susan of Newburyport, one niece, four nephews, and one grandnephew, as well as loving Aunts, Uncle and cousins.

Kathy loved and was loved. Deeply. She will be sorely missed.

ARRANGEMENTS: Kathy's funeral service will be held in the Peterson-O'Donnell Funeral Home, 167 Maple St., (Rte. 62) Danvers on Friday Feb. 1, 2019 at 11 AM. Burial in Pine Grove Cemetery, Topsfield. A Celebration of Life will be held after the funeral service on Friday at Danversport Yacht Club, 161 Elliott Street, Danvers. Relatives and friends invited. Visiting hours Thursday Jan. 31st from 4 to 7 PM. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Kathy's memory to Windrush Farm Therapeutic Equitation, Inc. (Non-profit 501(c)(3) 479 Lacy Street, North Andover 01845. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com .