Mary Lee Blanco

Blanco, Mary Lee, 77, of Tampa passed away on August 15, 2015. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dave Collins and Isabella Strain; grandson, Ehillipee Blanco; and 7 siblings. Survivors include her loving daughter, Rev. Sheila Blanco-Pedrosa of Tampa; sons, Mike Blanco III (Beatrice) of Abileen, TX and Paul Blanco (Lynette) of Elmira, NY; sister, Helen Lester (Bruce) of Orlando; grandchildren, Alicia Blanco, Nicole Blanco, Mike Blanco IV, and Kyle Pedrosa; great grandchild, Yzabella Blanco; former husband, SMSgt Mike Blanco, USAF ret; Nieces/nephews, Verdell Collins-Garrick, Willie Staten, Jimmy Staten, Susan Staten, and Patricia Bingham; grand nieces/nephews, Rayelle Garrick, Robert Howard, Chico Howard, Anthony Howard, Crystal Collins, Sonya Smith ,Chaketha Smith, and Dejong Lomax; great grand niece/nephews, Kiljuana McCormick, Marcus McCormick, Clifton McCormick; and a host of grieving family and friends. Born in Williston, Mary traveled the world for 25 years while raising her family as a military wife. Later, she worked retail at Montgomery Ward for over 20 years. A celebration of her life will be held at 7pm on Monday, August 24 at Harmony Metaphysical Church, 2517 W Henry Ave, Tampa. Rev. Sheila Blanco Pedrosa, officiant. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the church in Mary’s memory.