Blanche Fournier Kivinen

Age 96, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2026, at Highland Hospital in Rochester, NY, surrounded by her family.

Mrs. Kivinen was born on November 15, 1929, in Sault Ste. Marie, MI, a daughter of the late Edouard and Ruth (Hermanson) Fournier. She married Oliver John Kivinen on May 1, 1948, after the two met while she was working at a local car shop. They began their life together in Michigan, later moving to Rochester, NY, to raise their family before retiring to Carolina Shores, NC. Even after moving south, many summers were spent at Seneca Lake in the company of family and friends, representing some of their most treasured memories.

Blanche served for many years as a crossing guard on Park Meadow Drive in Henrietta, NY greeting neighborhood children each day. Later, in Carolina Shores, she worked at local golf club snack bars, where she made many friends. She loved country music and took great pride in her family. She was known for her strength, resilience, and her belief that better days were always ahead.

She was predeceased by her husband, Oliver John Kivinen; her sisters, Marie Pingatore and Loretta Madrid; her brothers, Marc, Buck, Merlin, and Raleigh Fournier; and her parents.

She is survived by her son, John Vern (Michelle) Kivinen; her daughters, Patricia Ann (Thomas) Willerton and Kathryn Vera Kivinen; her grandchildren, Alessandra Kivinen, Katelyn Kivinen, and Nicholas (Josie) Kivinen; and the joyful anticipation of a great-granddaughter expected in May.

A visitation celebrating her life will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on March 21, 2026 at Jennings Nulton & Mattle Funeral Home, 1704 Penfield Road, Penfield, NY 14526.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society in her memory.