Blanche C. Hoellerich, 95

CHESHIRE, Mass. —  Blanche C. (Kolis) Hoellerich, 95, of Cheshire died on November 2nd at Williamstown Commons with family at her side. Born in Adams on September 22, 1929, daughter of the late Matthew and Catherine Kolis, she attended Adams schools, graduated from the former Adams High School and was a communicant of St. John Paul II at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church.

She and her 12 siblings were proud first-generation Polish Americans, raised with an appreciation for hard work and big family celebrations. Fondly known as “Blinky,” she was happily wed to George “Butch” Hoellerich from June 12, 1948 until his death in 1998. Together they helped make Ayrhill Farms in Adams a successful family dairy business, along with creating special family times to enjoy the fruits of labor that come with the farming life. Blanche had early work experiences at the former Berkshire Mills, as a school cafeteria worker, and later as a volunteer at the Adams Charity Center.

Most notably, she was well-known by many as the energetic and efficient Ayrhill Farms “milk lady,” reliably delivering freshly bottled milk to her appreciative Adams customers for over 25 years. She wrote the book on customer service, and her blonde up-do and green pickup truck were always a welcome sight around town!

Blanche is survived by three daughters, Linda Lohman (Brad) of Williamstown, Judith Fitzgibbons (Thomas) of Marlborough, CT, and Debra Hoellerich (partner Paul Conlin) of Richmond, three grandchildren; Andrea Ehrlich, John Fitzgibbons (Kelly), and Caitlin Layfield (Chris), step-grandson Lance Lohman (Allie); great-grandaughter Chloe Mae Layfield, step-great-grandson Lakoa Lohman; one sister, Jane Gilman of Adams, sister-in-law Ruth Hoellerich, brother in-law Roy Hoellerich (Florence) and many loving nieces and nephews. Blanche was pre-deceased by her husband George, her parents, six brothers (Edmond, William, Theodore, Francis, Donald and Fred; five sisters (Adele Carignan, Isabelle Lanski, Lillian Blazejewski, Mildred Zatorski, Ilene LaFrance) and son-in-law Dean Fulco.

A memorial celebration of her life will be held at a future date, and donations in her name may be made to HospiceCare in the Berkshires, Inc., 877 South Street Suite 1W, Pittsfield, MA 01201. A favorite quote below, always on display in her kitchen, sums up her strength of spirit and lifelong positive attitude:

“I have competed well, I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.”