Mary Block

Mary Block, aged 92, passed away on September 13th, 2024 in Chesterfield, Michigan. Born on December 5th 1931, to Vito and Catherine Catania in Gloucester, Massachusetts, Mary was a devoted Catholic who found solace and strength in her faith and her family.

Throughout her life, Mary was a woman of wanderlust, finding joy in exploring new places and creating lasting memories through her travels. Her adventurous spirit and kind heart attracted many friends who cherished her company and the warmth she brought to every gathering.

Mary was a guiding light to her family. She stepped into the role of matriarch and “consigliare” after the passing of her mother. As a child of Italian immigrants and the Depression, she understood the values of family, and has passed down the Sicilian traditions to her family.

Mary was widowed at an early age after the passing of her beloved husband, John A. Block in 1982. She navigated through this time in her life by joining organizations and eventually co-founding the grief support group Widowed Friends, which still thrives today.

Mary is survived by her children Matthew (Amy) Block, Mary Jane (Michael) Carroll and Anthony (Maureen) Block, Grandchildren Kathryn Carroll, Susan (Correy) Gritschuk, Erin (Jeffry) Henze, Melissa Block (Clifton Ingram), Andrew (Hailey) Block and Alison Block. Great Grandchildren Mickey Smith; Claire, Luke and Mila Gritschuk; William, Charles and Emmett Henze and Leona Ingram, brother Mike Catania (the late Theresa, the late Betty, Marilyn) and many dear nieces and nephews, cousins in Gloucester, MA and Mazara del Vallo, Italy.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, John A. Block, brothers Frank Catania (late Shirley) John Catania (late Antonina)

The family would like to acknowledge the staff at StoryPoint Chesterfield Senior Living, and particularly her wonderful caregivers for their devoted care of Mary.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Wounded Warrior Project.

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