Mary Ann Blankenship

Mary Ann Blankenship was born on March 3, 1930, to her parents, Frank and Eva Sobaszek in Detroit, Michigan. Mary passed away on June 9, 2023, at age 93. Beloved mother of Robert (Diane) Blankenship, Kathy Blankenship, Karen (late David) George, and David (Brenda) Blankenship. Loving grandmother of Alexa Blankenship and Dana (Ryan) St. Coeur. Mary was preceded in death by her late husband, Robert E. Blankenship and her six siblings, Joseph, John, Frank, Stanley, Edward and Sandy. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

As a child Mary and the Sobaszek family attended St. Hedwig Church in southwest Detroit. They lived in many rental properties until she was a teen when the family purchased their own home on McKinstry. Upon graduation from St. Hedwig High School, she went to work at Hudson’s downtown to help support the family after her father’s death. She was a cashier/wrapper and had many fond memories of her work there. At about 22 years of age, she went to work for McKesson Robbins, working in the shipping department.

In March of 1955, she met the love of her life, Robert Blankenship on a blind date, and they were married in October of that same year in Holy Redeemer Church. Mary and Bob purchased a home in 1956 in Dearborn Heights. Soon after starting their family in early 1957, Mary became a stay-at-home mom. She lived for her family, taking exceptional care of them. Her favorite activities were any kind of work out of doors. She loved keeping things tidy, edging, sweeping, watering plants, hanging laundry outside on the clothesline and probably her all-time favorite, cleaning windows on the house and cars! The Blankenship’s were members of St. Albert the Great Parish in Dearborn Heights, where Mary was a member of the Rosary Altar Society for over 25 years.

Mary and Bob became grandparents for the first time in 1993 and had the privilege of caring for their granddaughters in their infant and toddler years. The family enjoyed taking vacations together with many trips “Up North,” which she thoroughly enjoyed. Mary lived a prayerful life. She spent her day with her mind on what needed to be done while always thinking and praying for her family. She would frequently ask others to “Say a little prayer” which applied to anything, healing for someone, getting a job, good weather, safe travels, etc., but most of all for protection of her entire family. Mary held a simple abiding faith in God and passed this on to her family; she will be tremendously missed.

Mary Ann’s life will be celebrated by family and friends at a memorial gathering, Thursday, June 29, 2023, from 2PM-8PM with a Rosary service at 7PM at Harry J Will Funeral Home. Funeral Mass, Friday June 30, 2023, at 9:30AM (gathering 9AM) at St. Aidan Church, 17500 Farmington Rd. Livonia, Mich. 48152. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: Penrickton Center for Blind Children or Disabled American Veterans.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared below for the Blankenship family.