Blanche Klein, 82

Blanche Klein of Poulsbo died June 10, 2006. She was 82.

Klein was born in 1923 in Johnstown, Penn. to Charlotte and George Getz.

She grew up in Altoona, Penn. with her mother, father and brother, David.

Around 1940, she went off on her own to Philadelphia to attend and later graduate from Jewish Hospital, now known as Albert Einstein Medical Center, as a Registered Nurse. After graduation, she moved to Oakland, Calif., where she worked for a doctor for a few years.

She was called to Michigan to take care of a sick cousin, where she was introduced to her future husband, Royal Klein. She met him in August of 1950 and by Nov. 5, 1950, they were married. They moved to Big Rapids, Mich. where she worked at radio station WBRN. She also worked as a nurse at Community Hospital and she was also public health nurse for the county.

She and her husband were active with the students at Ferris State University, Lions Club, Elks Club and many other community organizations.

Klein enjoyed entertaining, traveling, cooking, reading and crossword puzzles.

In July of 1998, she moved to Poulsbo to be closer to her children and grandchildren.

Klein is survived by her daughters Esther Klein-Johnson of Bellevue, Gail (Randy) Chafe of Poulsbo; son, Mitchell (Debbie) Klein of Stanwood, brother, David of New York; and six grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Klein’s name to Congregation Kol Shalom PO Box 11738, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 toward the purchase of a memorial bench for the cemetery or to Martha & Mary Health Services.

Graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. June 14 at Port Blakely Cemetery on Old Mill Road on Bainbridge Island with a reception immediately following at her daughter Gail Chafe’s home 1041 NE Holm Court, Poulsbo. Arrangements by Kass & Cook Family Funeral Home.