With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Mary Helen (Hubbard) Blake of Reading on Wednesday, 20 September 2023. She was born on 8 May 1929. Wife of the late Lawrence E. Blake, mother to Virginia Brown, Brett Blake, Joanne Gutierrez, Andrea Sullivan and Lawrence A. Blake, eight grandchildren (Heather, Jennifer, Melissa, Lindsay, Violet, Ashley. Gabrielle and Caden) and great-grandchildren (Anna, Amber, Tanya and Marty). All of us have been blessed with the silly sense of humor she developed as time wore on—a gift to all of us who were fortunate enough to be around her.

Becoming a Life Master with the American Contract Bridge League provided her with years of travel, friendships and enjoyment, as well as being a source of pride when she finally attained her title. She enjoyed cooking and her baking was something to look forward to. She managed two Reading public school cafeterias: Pearl Street Elementary and Reading Memorial High School.

A voracious reader, Mary could go through a half a dozen books in a week. If you wish, in lieu of flowers, donations to the Reading Public Library who have been magnificent in choosing and delivering books to her every week. We deeply appreciate the volunteers who donate their time and who helped make her life better.

A visitation will be held at Douglass, Edgerley & Bessom Funeral Home 25 Sanborn St. (cor. of Woburn St.) Reading on Thursday, September 28 from 4-7pm. The internment at Forest Glen Cemetery in Reading, Massachusetts will be private.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Mary's memory to Reading Public Library 65 Middlesex Ave Reading, MA 01867.