Mary Catherine Blaise, Age: 85
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Oct 14, 1938---Dec 17, 2023

Mary Catherine Blaise, 85, passed peacefully to the Lord on Sunday, December 17, after extended illness. Mary enjoyed an active but simple life prioritizing always what mattered most to her, family, faith and caring for others. A devoted and loving mother of five children, she instilled in each that family is everything, her devout faith in the Catholic church, the importance of education, and giving back in all forms should be a constant. A significant contribution of her own was sharing her musical talents as the organist at both The Cathedral of Saint Peter and Queen of the Holy Rosary-Wea. Mary’s commitment to care of others extended into her career as a lifelong nurse and nursing administrator. She enjoyed long and successful careers at both Providence Medical Center and Villa St. Joseph. 

Born October 14, 1938, Mary was the daughter of William and Mary McCarty. She proudly grew up in Kansas City, Kansas attending St. Peter’s Grade School, Bishop Ward High School, and St. Margaret Hospital’s Nursing School. Alongside raising her five children and working full-time, Mary returned to school to earn a college degree from the University of St. Francis, Joliet, IL, and a Master’s degree from Webster University, St. Louis, MO. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Mary McCarty. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Jim Blaise, and her five children, Bill Blaise (Elaine), Monica Browne (Dan), Bridget B Shamai (Dan), Rita Mathews (Randy), and Molly Allison (David), her eleven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.   

The Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Queen of the Holy Rosary–Wea, 22779 Metcalf Rd, Bucyrus, Kansas, on Tuesday, December 26th. Praying the rosary will begin at 8:45am followed by the visitation from 9am – 11am. Mass will begin at 11am. A private burial will be at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, Lenexa, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Sisters, Servants of Mary (Donations can be sent to 800 N. 18th Street, Kansas City, KS 66102) and Notre Dame de Sion of Kansas City (Give To Sion | Notre Dame de Sion Schools of Kansas City (ndsion.edu)).


Condolences

Bridget Rodriguez Dec 18, 2023

Friend ,Kirkwood ,Missouri

I will remember Mary as being so kind and loving. It was always so clear that she ADORED her family. Love and prayers to all of you! Love, Bridget and Jerry Rodriguez

Susan M. Miller Dec 18, 2023

Friend ,Kansas City ,Missouri

Mary had such a gentle spirit combined with a huge, loving heart. She was lovely to everyone she met. I know you all will miss her deeply. It was an honor and a privilege to have known Mary. ??

Debra C Martley/shelton Dec 19, 2023

Friend ,Bucyrus ,Kansas

I will miss her! What a very compassionate woman she was. Many good talks with her. Jim and family, I'm so sorry for your loss. The lord has her now and she is not hurting any longer. My gods hand cover you and help with the pain of loss.

Joanie Jones RN Dec 19, 2023

Mary and I were nurses at Providence Medical Center for many years. I admired her commitment to excellence in our profession and her compassion for patients and their families. May she rest in eternal peace. With my sincere sympathy, Joanie Jones RN

Trish Arnold Dec 20, 2023

Friends them all, but Rita the most. ,Shawnee ,Kansas

Mr. Blaise, Bill, Monica, Bridget, my friend Rita, and Mary Alice (Molly), There are no words to describe the emptiness you must feel now. Your poor dad will need some help and companionship, and Lord knows that the Blaise’s have that covered. God love you all! Trish Mulvany Arnold

Joe & Marie Cisper Dec 20, 2023

My parents friends ,Lenexa ,Kansas

Jim, Bill Marie and I offer our condolences for the loss of your wife and mother. I know my parents will be happy to see her in heaven. God Bless you and your family Joe & Marie Cisper

Pat Callaghan Dec 20, 2023

Classmate ,Kansas City ,Kansas

I have such fond memories of Mary. We were good friends the last two years of high-school. Being an only child, she was always able to snag her folks' green Buick and drive several of us all over Kansas City, Kansas. I can still her her rich laughter. So sorry for your loss. Pat Treff Callaghan

Jim and Ann Roberts Dec 20, 2023

Neighborhood friends ,Kansas City ,Kansas

Ann and I wish to offer you our sincerest condolences on the death of Mary. May she rest in peace.

Mary brune Dec 20, 2023

Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

So sorry about your loss.

Kathleen Reiswig Dec 20, 2023

Neighbor & friend ,Shawnee ,Kansas

We lived next door to Mary & Jim & kids on 15 street. Nothing like the smell of baked goods coming from Mary's kitchen. Lovely lady with strong faith. Rest peacefully Mary. Thoughts & prayers with Jimmer & kids. Kathy Gardner Reiswig & David Reiswig.

Carlene Breen Dec 20, 2023

Colleague ,Parkville ,Missouri

Mary was the director of nursing at Providence St. Margaret’s when I hired on in 1988. Later she was DON at Villa St. Joseph nursing home when my grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. She was a tireless advocate for her staff, patients and their families. She was deeply loved and respected by so many. May she rest in peace.

Tom Ward Dec 21, 2023

Family Friend ,Houston ,Texas

Mary Blaise was a beacon of faith, optimism, love and belief in the power of prayer to sustain and lift us up. There have been a few points in my life where I came to rely on her love and support through prayer. Following her example, I have tried to honor her by doing the same for others. Mary was totally devoted to her family and I’m honored to count the extended Blaise, Browne, Shamai, Mathews, and Allison families among my friends. I will miss her deeply, but see the very best of her in her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Jim, I pray that love and your family will sustain you in the days to come.

Debra Fish Dec 22, 2023

Family friend ,Nashville ,Tennessee

Even though I didn't see her often, never have I felt more welcomed than in the presence of Mary Blaise. She made me feel like one of the family and I always enjoyed the chance to be with her. I especially loved watching her trade good-natured barbs with her children. She had a level of faith that I can only aspire to, and it was comforting to know that she was available if turbo-charged prayers were ever needed! I'm grateful to have known her and extend my deepest sympathies to Jim and the rest of the family.

Eric Czander Dec 22, 2023

Friend ,Washington ,District Of Columbia

A great woman is Mrs Blaise with a wonderfully warm and fun family. Being around her made you feel fully welcome and accepted with lots of chatter, laughter and smiles. She, her husband and her family definitely leave you with a good enduring impression!

Tony Kerr Dec 22, 2023

Friend ,Bucyrus ,Kansas

Mary was a good friend. I enjoyed our visits prior to the Saturday 4pm Mass at Holy Rosary-Wea. She was also a great musician with the 4pm choir at Holy Rosary-Wea. I will truly miss her, I know she is looking down fondly on us from Heaven.

Bradley Kirk Dec 23, 2023

Family friend ,Memphis ,Tennessee

To know Mrs. Mary, aka Sugar, was to love her. I will always cherish my memories of the times she welcomed me into her home. She leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of love and faith.

Janet & Helen Tluscik Dec 26, 2023

Friend of Family ,Shawnee ,Kansas

To the Blaise Family- we are sorry to hear about the passing of Mary aka, Sugar. Our hearts go out to you at such a time of sorrow. May God wrap his arms around you and provided you comfort and grace. Prayers, Janet & Helen

Mary, Michael , John and Michael Francis Reidy Dec 26, 2023

We send condolences to Jim and Mary’s wonderful family. We thank God for the gift that Mary’s life was for so many and the grace that God channeled through her for everyone lucky enough to meet her. May Mary rest peacefully with her God and may her family be consoled by her faith and their faith. The holy sacrament of Mass will be offered for her intentions in our parish the month of January 2024.

Rebecca Levy Dec 27, 2023

Army friend ,Ormond Beach ,Florida

Dear Jim & Family, My heartfelt sympathy in the loss of your devoted lifelong Wife, Mother & Grandmother! Mary was always so sweet to us, always remembering our holidays! It is our honor to have enjoyed her company at the Army Reunions & the same professional career! May You Be Blessed with Kindness, Love & Support! Rebecca (&Allen) Levy