Mary Ellen Blazier's Obituary
Mary Ellen Blazier, 86, of Decatur, passed away June 19, 2023, at Hickory Point Christian Village with family by her side.
Mary was born in East Alton, Illinois, on March 13, 1937, the daughter of Wilbur and Donna (Stagg) Buskirk. She married William Blazier on December 28, 1957 in Kewanee, and they shared 65 years of married life together.
Mary was a longstanding member of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Decatur. She enjoyed quilting and belonged to the Decatur Quilting Guild. She was an avid Illini basketball fan. She was at her most spirited while watching their games on TV. Her license plate holder even said, “If God’s not an Illini fan, why are sunsets orange and blue?”
Most of all, Mary will be remembered for her love and devotion to her family, especially her grandchildren. She never missed the opportunity to support their many activities in church, school and sports, and she never missed a birthday. She embraced them all with love and care.
Mary is survived by her husband William; her children Lisa (Zig) Lemezis, Michael (Trisha) Blazier, and Cheryl (Thomas) Nuckolls, all of Decatur; brother Allan (Glenna) Buskirk; sister-in-law Jan Blazier; grandchildren Rachel, Mandy, Mick, Joel, Tedi, and Brett; great-grandchildren Jayden, Kaity, Bennett, Stella, Olive, Delilah, Tyler, Porter, and Sullivan; a host of nieces and nephews; and “her baby” Boston terrier Allie. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Visitation for Mary will be from 5pm to 7pm on Thursday, June 22, at Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1pm on Friday, June 23, at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Decatur. Burial in Graceland Cemetery will follow the Mass.
Mary’s family would like to extend special thanks to Hickory Point Christian Village and Safe Haven Hospice for the excellent care they provided her.
Memorials may be directed to Our Lady of Lourdes Parish or Alzheimers Association. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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