Mary E. Blagman

Mary Elaine Blagman, 97, of Brookhaven, PA, peacefully entered into eternity on Monday, February 10, 2025. Mary was born and raised in the area of Chester affectionately known as “The Hill.” She prided herself on keeping a neat house, making her bed each morning, and driving her own car. She and her husband, Foster (Topsy) Blagman shared the journey of raising their five children before eventually going their separate ways. Mary worked hard to support her family and was a dedicated employee of Haverford State Hospital, where she worked as a food service worker—a role she thoroughly enjoyed. Her faith was a guiding force throughout her life. She was a devout member of the former Immaculate Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church in Chester, which later became Saint Katharine Drexel Church. Mary was an active participant in the Rosary Club and found great joy in her church community. One of the highlights of her later years was her trip to Italy to witness the canonization of Mother Teresa, a profoundly meaningful experience for her. Mary also cherished life’s simple pleasures: cold ice cream, hot coffee, and the music of B.B. King, Al Green, and Ray Charles. She loved large family gatherings at her parents' home on Reaney Street, where she, her children, and siblings would sit together under the peach trees, sharing stories and laughter. She enjoyed playing bingo, solitaire, and working on crossword and large picture puzzles. She also went on several bus tours to Canada, enjoying the ride, meeting new people, and taking in the sights. She is survived by her two sons, Mr. Ronald D. Blagman (Lorraine) of Brookhaven, PA, and Mr. Larry L. Blagman of Tacoma, WA; her sister, Ms. Rosalind Wright of Chester; and her brother, Mr. Bernard Neal (Santha) of Chester. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Anthony (Mahon) Davis, Randi (Missy) Handy, Steven Howard, Tiffany Turner (Charles), Kamerin Arthurs (Bruce), and Marisa Dean (Charles), along with a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. While Mary will be deeply missed here, we find comfort in knowing she is joyfully reunited with her mother, Eva Inez Miles; her father, Edward Neal; her siblings, Edward Neal Jr., Horace Neal, Millicent Wilson, Vivian Neal, and Rose Marie Bowers; her daughter, Ms. Ethel I. Handy; her sons, Mr. Foster R. Blagman and Mr. Anthony (Potts) Blagman; and her grandson, Anthony (Doc) Johnson. We imagine their reunion in Heaven is filled with laughter, love, and the peace of eternal rest. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at Saint Katharine Drexel Roman Catholic Church, 1920 Providence Avenue, Chester, PA 19013. A viewing will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., with the Requiem Mass immediately following at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary’s memory to Saint Katharine Drexel Church, 1920 Providence Avenue, Chester, PA 19013.

Mary E. Blagman

August 10, 1927 - February 10, 2025