In Loving Memory
Mary Blake
January 25, 1938 - November 4, 2021

VISITATION
Sunday, November 7, 2021
5:00 - 7:00 P.M.
Holy Family Catholic Church
Emmetsburg, Iowa

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL
Monday, November 8, 2021
2:00 P.M.
Holy Family Catholic Church
Emmetsburg, Iowa

CELEBRANT
Rev. Bill Schreiber

INTERMENT
St. John's Catholic Cemetery
Emmetsburg, Iowa

Mary G. Blake, daughter of M.J. "Dude" and Mary H. (Ruddy) Kane, was born January 25, 1938 in Emmetsburg, Iowa.  She began her education in country school, completing eighth grade.  Mary then completed her education at Emmetsburg High School, graduating in 1956.  Following high school she continued her education at Emmetsburg Community College and Buena Vista College, earning her Bachelor's Degree in Education.

Mary taught elementary school after receiving her degree, in West Bend and then country school near Wayne, Nebraska.  Mary was united in marriage to John "Jack" Blake in 1961.  They were blessed with three daughters, Kari, Jackie and Angi.

Mary and Jack returned to the area, teaching in both Ayrshire and Pocahontas.  After Jack entered the banking business, Mary continued teaching and taught in Emmetsburg and Clarion.  When the family moved back to Emmetsburg in 1979, Mary again taught in Emmetsburg until her retirement.  Following retirement, Mary continued to substitute teach for many years.  Over the course of her teaching career, Mary taught three generations of students.

Mary had an unshakable faith and was a devoted member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Emmetsburg.  She was an avid sports enthusiast and a dedicated E'Hawk fan, following all of the events held at school. Pity the person that spoke negatively of any "E'Hawk" in the presence of Mary!  She, along with her sister Margaret were honored as Grand Marshals of Homecoming.  Mary's family was very important to her and she loved getting together with not only her own girls and their families but her extended family as well.  She will be remembered by her grandchildren, for the phone calls on their birthdays, and the serenade of "Happy Birthday" that she sang to them, as well as the countless silly cards they received for any occasion.  They never missed a chance to visit her and  often said…"Our grandma has ears that truly listen".

Mary passed away at the age of 83 on Thursday, November 4, 2021 in Emmetsburg, Iowa, with family by her side. She was preceded in death by her parents, M.J. "Dude" and Mary Kane; her husband, Jack; three brothers, Matthew "Pat" Kane, George Kane and Jim Kane; and a granddaughter-in-law, Amanda Schany.

She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Kari Blake-Schany of Emmetsburg, Iowa, Jackie and Steve Jensen of Iowa City, Iowa and Angi and Mike Louscher of Waukee, Iowa; grandchildren, Joseph Schany, Courtney Nichol (Corbin), Katelyn Schany (Matt Fishels), Blake Kuiper (Justin), Blake Louscher (Kate), B.J. Jensen (Jenna), Kane Louscher (Katie Moore), Tyler Jensen, Mary Katherine Louscher; great grandchildren; sisters and brothers-in-law, Kathy and Gene Myers of Emmetsburg, Iowa and Margaret and Duane Twait of Emmetsburg, Iowa; sister-in-law, Ruth Kane of Emmetsburg, Iowa; several nieces and nephews; as well as many other relatives and friends.

Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home