Blanche Marcella Swanson Kishner died on May 23, 2013. Born March 18, 1919, in Milwaukee, WI, she was the first of three daughters of Allie Fred (Ole) Swanson and Amanda Baehring Swanson.

Blanche grew up and attended school in Milwaukee where she was valedictorian of her junior high school class and a member of the National Honor Society. In 1942 she married the love of her life, Dr. Leonard Kishner, her partner for over 70 years. They moved to Tulsa in 1950 and have resided here since then with the exception of two years in San Diego when Len served in the United States Navy (1954-56).

Wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt, Blanche was always there for her husband and four children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren whenever she was needed. Her friends called her Friend (with a capital F); to be compared to her was the highest form of compliment.

Blanche was a gifted artist and calligrapher, and was always eager to try new things. Gourmet cook, gracious hostess, seamstress, decorator, dependable volunteer, are but a few of the titles she earned. Her community efforts included the Tulsa Psychiatric Foundation, the Auxiliary to the Tulsa County Medical Society, several Jewish women's organizations, the American Field Service, Children's Protective Services, and the Women's Golf Association of Meadowbrook Country Club. She was given Temple Israel Sisterhood's coveted Queen Esther award in 1997 in appreciation of her long-term, dedicated service.

Blanche also enjoyed golf, tending the Williamsburg-style home which she and Len designed and lived in for 40 years, their world travels together, family vacations, and, above all, her growing family.

An enduringly patient, kind, and thoughtful woman, Blanche is survived and lovingly remembered by her husband, Dr. Leonard Kishner, daughters Jeanne Jacobs, Peg Kishner and husband Jim Brennan; son Tom Kishner and wife Judy – all of Tulsa; and daughter Nancy Getty, of Los Angeles, CA, as well as 28 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren; her sister Jeanette Weisman and husband Hobie, brother-in-law Bob Honeyager, and many nieces, nephews and their progeny. Her sister Delores Honeyager predeceased her.

Her many talents and quiet wisdom are a legacy to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Contributions in Blanche's memory may be made to the Queen Esther Fund or the Music and Choir Fund at Temple Israel, or to the Alzheimer's Association.

Funeral Services will be 12:30 p.m., Sunday, May 26, 2013, at Temple Israel. Interment will follow at Rose Hill Memorial Park Cemetery.

FITZGERALD IVY CHAPEL 918-585-1151