Mary Katherine Blake

Mary Blake 42, of St. Joseph passed away on Thursday, May 31, 2007 surrounded by her loving and devoted family. Arrangements are entrusted to Kerley-Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home. Mary Katherine Blake was born on the 25th day of September 1964 to her loving parents, Gerald T. and Rosemarie Capaccio. After a long and hard battle with Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS) she passed away on Thursday, May 31st. After growing up in South Haven, she has spent most of her adult life living in the St. Joseph area. Mary enjoyed shopping with her daughter and health care givers, Fran Domke and Ester Washington, whom were more than care givers they became an important part of our family. A big part of Mary’s drive was to attend her daughter’s soccer and basketball games. (She missed very few). Mary grew up in a large family and enjoyed all holiday gatherings and parties. She had a great gift for putting a smile on others and bringing warmth to a heart. Let it be known that Mary always had a smile and never, ever complained. She was truly an inspiration to many. She will be deeply missed by all that knew and loved her. She will never be forgotten. Mary leaves behind her husband, John Blake and loving daughter, Kayla Marie. She is also survived by her siblings, Angie (Edward) Danapilis, Walter Capaccio, Gerald B. (Kim) Capaccio, Stephen Cappacio, Martin (Lisa) Capaccio and Donna Cox. Also surviving is her mother, Rosemarie; mother-in-law Joan K. Blake and surviving in laws include Cindy Briles of Gainesville FL, Rollie (Bonnie) Blake of Tampa Bay FL, Bennie Briles and Linda Shively both of IN, Rich Blake of FL, Deb Blake of NV and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 3, 2007 from 3:00 – 5:00 P.M at the funeral home and a Celebration of Life service will be held on Monday, June 4 at 11:30 A.M. at the funeral home with Father Bill Jacobs officiating with graveside service to follow at Riverview Cemetery. Friends wishing to send condolences to the family may do so on-line at www.starks-menchinger.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Kayla Blake Trust Fund, which has been established for her only daughter to further her education.