March 8, 1925 ~ Dec. 26, 2023
Marlborough – Norine Cahillane Blair, 98 of Marlborough passed away peacefully on December 26, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. She left this world to join her beloved late husband Clifford H Blair in heaven where they will hold hands forever.
She was born in Springfield, MA, the daughter of the late Patrick and Nora (Flynn) Cahillane. She grew up in in the “Hungry Hill Neighborhood” the Irish Neighborhood where she was very proud of her Irish heritage.
Norine lived a life filled with faith and this was evident in all she did. Her strength when she lost her husband, and her son was a testament to her devotion to God. In her final days, she recited the Hail Mary repeatedly and we know that brought her great comfort.
A woman of many talents, sewing and knitting were some of her greatest and she took such pride in making quilts, hats and mittens for family and friends. She loved to bake and decorate cakes for special occasions, make apple pies at Thanksgiving and had a yearly tradition of making mutton pies with her sisters. She loved it when her family gathered at her house for holidays and cherished family vacations to Atlantic City. The stories and memories of these vacations lasted long after the trip was over.
Norine is survived by her children, Gary with whom she lived, James Blair and his wife Renay, Richard Blair and his wife Denise, her daughter Maureen King, all of Marlborough, her daughter- in- law Julia, her brother-in-law Norman Blair, and her beloved Yorkie Reilly. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren, Matt, Dan, Aimee, Phil, Amanda, Mike, Stephen, Todd, Allison, TJ, and Nick, 18 great grandchildren and many nieces & nephews.
Norine was predeceased by her husband Clifford in 2011, her son Timothy in 2017 and her sisters Mary, Johanna and Helen.
Norine was a lover of pets, especially dogs, and always loved it when one of her “grand dogs” visited.
She was a Parishioner of Immaculate Conception Church for many years.
Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, from 5-7 pm in the Short & Rowe Funeral Home, 95 W. Main St., Marlborough, MA.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, January 4, 2024 at 11 am in Immaculate Conception Church, 11 Prospect St., Marlborough, MA. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Wilson St., Marlborough, MA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Norine’s name to the Immaculate Conception Church, 9 Washington Ct, Marlborough, MA 01752.
