Matilda Twila (Polich) Blenkhorn

Hudson, MA

Matilda Twila Blenkhorn was born in Chariton, Iowa in 1925 to parents Joseph and Filipinia (Vidas) Polich, immigrants from Croatia. She was one of the youngest of 13 children.

Her early years were spent on their farm. It had no electricity and no indoor plumbing. It did have kerosene lamps and a hand cranked telephone. A flat iron was used for ironing. Food came from the gardens and animals were raised for meat. The family moved to Puyallup, WA in 1937.

Matilda, also known as Millie by friends and Sis within her family, entered nurses training at Tacoma General Hospital after graduating high school in 1943. She was a proud member of the US Nurse Corps from 1943-47.

She completed her training at Deaconess Hospital in Boston in 1948 and spent 38 years as a registered nurse, retiring in 1987. She also worked at Tacoma General Hospital, The Joslin Clinic, Hudson Hospital, The Marlborough Hospital. When asked what she liked most about her career, Millie responded with “everything”. Those who knew her had the kindest praise and opinion of her.

Millie married Glendon Blenkhorn in 1946 and settled in Berlin. They had three sons Wayne, George, and Ron.

Through the many years she socialized with friends, playing cards, and sometimes boating at Bear Hill Pond. She played in Turner Golf events for many years and also stayed connected by continuing to attend Berlin Seniors meetings. She was an avid Boston Bruins and Red Sox fan.

Millie enjoyed crossword puzzles, reading, and keeping her mind active. She always had an interest in what was to come.

She lived her final years at Whitney Place and Beaumont in Northborough. There she was able to remain active, enjoying regular exercise sessions. She participated in card tournaments and enjoyed music and educational presentations.

One of her greatest regrets was not scoring a hole in one in golf though she came close several times. Her last round was played in Berlin at the age of 90.

She is survived by Ron and her remaining sister Zora living in Washington. She also has many nieces and nephews, children of siblings from both sides of her marriage.

Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, March 15, 2022 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home, 50 Central Street, Hudson, MA 01749. A private service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the charity of their choice. To that you may consider the Ukraine Relief Effort that her memory may continue to comfort those in need.