Obituary of Marie Blake

BLAKE, Marie (Vlassis) of Saginaw, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 7, 2017 at Saginaw Senior Care and Rehab, where she had been a resident for the past 4 years. Marie was affected by Alzheimer's disease for 12 years. She was 87 years old. Ella Marie Vlassis was born on January 10, 1929 in Saginaw to the late William and Byrdella (Forbes) Vlassis. She married Frederick John Blake on August 18, 1951 and they celebrated 64 years together before his passing on December 20, 2015. She was a graduate of the former Saginaw General School of Nursing as a registered nurse. Marie retired in 1988 from the former Saginaw Steering Gear as a Plant Medical Nurse. Marie and Fred were previously members of St. Matthew's Episcopal Church and Marie proudly served as a past president of the former Town Hall Series. For the past many years, she was a member of St. John's Episcopal Church. Prior to her Alzheimer's illness, Marie loved to cook, entertain, play cards, camp, and decorate for every holiday. Surviving are two daughters: Sue (Randy) Thibodeau of Indiana and Connie (Bruce) Marciniak of Saginaw; four grandchildren, who meant the world to her: Lauren (Kyle) Oakes, Dan Thibodeau, Brian and Lindsay Marciniak; two great-grandchildren, Keegan and Ella Marie Oakes; sister, Betty Galbraith; two brothers: William (Clara) Vlassis and Donald (Julie) Vlassis; and two sisters-in-law, Carm Vlassis and Lorraine Rousseau. Marie was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brother, Romaine "Buster" Vlassis; and many other relatives. The family wishes to thank the staff of Saginaw Senior Care and Rehab for the care they have shown to Marie for the past four years. Honoring Marie's wishes, cremation has taken place and no services are planned. Cremated remains are entombed at Oakwood Mausoleum. Memorial contributions may be given to Alzheimer's Association, 25200 Telegraph Rd Ste. 100, Southfield, MI 48033. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State). Please share your thoughts and memories with the family through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.