Mary Rose Blaskovich, 92, of Western Springs, formerly of Hinsdale, passed away Dec. 7, 2019.
A loving and doting aunt, lifelong faithful Catholic and simple, unpretentious woman, she will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Mary was born to Ben and Mary Blaskovich in the family home in Hinsdale in 1926. She attended elementary school in Hinsdale, and a school for the blind or visually impaired in her early childhood, as she was born with visual difficulties. Upon her graduation from Hinsdale Township High School in 1945, Mary began work at Continental Insurance Co. in downtown Chicago. She remained with the company for 33 years.
Mary was devoted to her large extended family and was a beloved aunt to her many nieces and nephews and their children. She taught her favorite card games to several generations, including the game Tripoley, helping to make it a family institution. Mary loved all of her family and most especially children; she loved to joke, play, laugh and be silly, and she was unfailingly generous, enthusiastic and openhearted.
Retiring at 56, Mary filled her newfound free time with her extended family, a second career in babysitting and dog-walking for a beloved family pet. She also loved to bake and was famous for her creamed chicken and dumplings. She enjoyed travel and often joined her extended family on trips. Mary lived most of her life in the house in which she was born, a cozy little home built by her father. When it finally became too much for her to maintain, she moved to Bethlehem Woods Retirement Community, where she made many good friends. In her final days, surrounded by her family and dear friends, Mary remained cheerful, uncomplaining and was filled with love and gratitude for her family and took comfort in praying with them.
Mary was preceded in death by her brother, Tony (the late Frances) Blaskovich; and her sister, Blanche (the late Francis) Duquette.
She leaves behind many Duquette and Blaskovich nieces and nephews.
Visitation is at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, at St. John of the Cross Church, 5005 S. Wolf Road, Western Springs.
A Mass of Christian burial will follow at the church at 11 a.m.
Burial will follow at Clarendon Hills Cemetery in Darien.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made online to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital at https://www.stjude.org.
Brian Powell Funeral Directors of Hinsdale handled the arrangements.
