Mary Rosalie Blasko

Mary Rosalie Blasko, 84, of Glendora, NJ, passed away peacefully on August 14, 2025. She was the eldest daughter of Valeria and Charles Edward Sumoski, and one of six siblings.

Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Stephen John Blasko, who passed away at age 79 on December 30, 2020. She is survived by her loving children, Mary Rosalie Delemarre (Louis) and Stephen Blasko Jr.; cherished grandchildren Jaqueline and Stephen Blasko III, and Katherine and Michelle Delemarre. She also leaves behind her dear siblings Leon (Rosemarie), Theresa (Ray deceased), Vincent (Barbara), Kathleen (Earl deceased), and Charles John (Marcy), along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

A graduate of Saint Agnes School in Blackwood and Camden Catholic High School (then located in Camden), Mary began her career as a clerk typist and secretary with several employers: Provident Bank, Butler Thomas, and the Social Security Administration. While working and raising two children, she continued her education-first attending St. Joseph's College, and ultimately earning her degree cum laude in Early Elementary Education from Glassboro State College in 1978. She was certified in both elementary education and speech correction.

Mary's professional life was marked by dedication and service. She worked as a substitute teacher throughout Camden County-primarily in Gloucester Township-from 1970 to 1979, and as a sales associate at Gimbals Department Store in Moorestown. She also served as a Census Enumerator for the 1980 Census and later worked as a legal secretary for Barley Farley, with offices in Haddonfield and Philadelphia.

Mary was an active volunteer and lifelong learner. She volunteered at Camden County libraries and was an avid reader. She led a Junior Girl Scout troop in the 1970s, participated in the Sunshine Class at Trinity Lutheran Church in Runnemede, and received the Golden Rule Award for her service with the Our Lady of Lourdes Helping Hands Program, assisting elderly and disabled adults with shopping, errands, and transportation. She was also a proud graduate of the Rutgers Master Gardeners Cooperative Extension Program and contributed numerous volunteer hours to the program.

A nature enthusiast and avid birder, Mary was a member of her local Audubon Society. She and her husband, Steve, shared a love of camping in their Scamp trailer, often traveling with their children and grandchildren. Their adventures took them as far as Alaska, and they made frequent trips to Florida to enjoy Phillies Spring Training.

Mary will be remembered for her warmth, her generosity, and the unwavering kindness she extended to everyone she met. Her home was always open, her table always full, and her heart always giving.

A funeral service will be held on September 27th at 9:00 AM at Gardner Funeral Home in Runnemede, NJ. All who knew and loved Mary are welcome to attend and celebrate her life.

Interment will be at Arlington Cemetery in Pennsauken, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Friends of Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, National Audubon Society, or a charity of your choice.