Mary Agnes DeMichael-Blakeman, 83, of Taylorville, formerly of Stonington, passed away at 1:31a.m. on Tuesday, July 23, 2019 at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield. She was born on October 30, 1935 in Taylorville, the daughter of Florian J. “Flindy” and Theresa M. (Stork) DeMichael. She married Donald Blakeman on June 27, 1959 in the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Stonington and they recently celebrated 60 years of marriage. Mary attended Millikin University and the University of Illinois and worked at the Signal Depot in Decatur before teaching for several years in Stonington. Later she worked as the office manager for the City of Stonington for many years. She was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church where she was active in many areas including serving as lector, eucharistic minister, teaching catechism and faithfully praying the Rosary. Mary enjoyed reading, sewing, and could cook the best food you have ever tasted. She spent countless hours around the kitchen table with her family and friends telling stories, playing cards and games, and sharing a large meal. She enjoyed taking road trips, fishing, playing Bingo, and was a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals. More than all, she loved her family, especially her grandchildren. In Mary’s words: “It was great fun. I love you all!”
She is survived by her husband: Donald Blakeman of Taylorville; children: John F. Blakeman (Shannon) of Taylorville, Joseph Blakeman of Springfield, Michael Blakeman (Denise) of Taylorville, Daniel Blakeman of Stonington, Thomas Blakeman of Taylorville, and Mary “Missy” Wemhoener (Todd) of Belleville; grandchildren: Lauren Blakeman, John R. Blakeman, Katie Wemhoener, Dustin Blome, Aaron Blome, and Ashley Kochniarczyk; several great grandchildren; siblings: Joseph DeMichael (Sue) of Columbia, South Carolina, and Ann DeMichael and Martha DeMichael both of Springfield; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents and sisters: Rita Staton and Therese DeMichael and infant daughter: Margaret.
A funeral mass for Mary will be held at 10:00a.m. on Friday, July 26, 2019 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Stonington with Monsignor David Lantz officiating. Burial will take place at Old Stonington Cemetery. Visitation will take place Thursday from 5 until 7p.m. at McClure Funeral Home in Taylorville.
Memorials may be made to Holy Trinity Catholic Church or Springfield Right to Life.
McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.
Memories of Mary, or condolences to the family, may be left online at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com.
