Blanche Bergen Stires, 95

Born and Raised on a Belle Mead Farm

Died November 11, 2022

Blanche (Kiki) Bergen Stires died at her home in Far Hills, surrounded by her loving family, on November 11. She was 95 .

Blanche was born and raised on her family farm in Belle Mead. She was the daughter of the late John and Blanche Stires. She attended Somerville High School, where she met her husband, Donald Stires. After graduating from Green Mountain College, Blanche and Don were married in 1950. They raised seven children in Somerville and they enjoyed 69 years of marriage.

Blanche was a devoted and proud wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Blanche and Don's focus was caring for their ever-growing family. They emphasized and celebrated education, attending all their family's graduations, and were often found on the sidelines of a child or grandchild's sporting events.

She was an avid fan of Somerville High School football, an avid reader, and enjoyed working on her needlepoint projects, which were proudly displayed in her home. Blanche was a gracious and generous hostess and enjoyed entertaining large gatherings of family and friends.

Blanche and Don remained active by playing golf, tennis, and boating together. They enjoyed traveling to their homes in Bay Head, Hilton Head, and Florida.

Blanche was also known for style and fashion sense. She was never underdressed and enjoyed shopping in Palm Beach and NYC. She always opened her door to any visitor in her best outfit, with a smile, and ready to accommodate. Blanche's enthusiasm, passion, sense of humor, and feistiness were an inspiration to her family.

Blanche was predeceased by her husband, Donald; son, Todd; and seven of her siblings. She is survived by her children: Donald, Jr. of Palm City, Florida, Kim (Patricia) of Bedminster, Lori Teixeira (Richard) of Somerville, Peter (Cathy) of Somerville, David (Allison) of Bridgewater, Craig (Amy) of Martinsville; and daughter-in-law, Denise of Bedminster. Blanche leaves behind 20 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by her brother, William Bergen of North Carolina. A memorial service and celebration of Blanche's life will be held on Sunday, November 27 at the Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church, 1 East Oak Street, Basking Ridge, NJ at 2 pm. The celebration will continue with food, drink, and stories immediately following at the Basking Ridge Country Club, 185 Madisonville Road, Basking Ridge, NJ.

The family thanks all the caregivers who comforted Kiki. Memorial donations can be made to the Greater Somerset County YMCA or the Foundation of the Oscar and Ella Wilk Campus for Senior Living in Somerset, which provided the hospice care.