Mercedes Joan Blaszczyk

    Mercedes J. Blaszczyk, age 93, of Toledo, passed away Thursday, April 29, 2021 at Mercy St. Anne Hospital. She was born October 1, 1927 to Andrew and Eleanor (Jadarkiewicz) Rawski. She was the youngest of 3 children and somehow ended up with the nickname “Babe”. She was a 1945 graduate of Woodward High School. She worked several jobs after High School, including working at Jeep as a typist, until she got married. Mercedes was a housewife, mother, and caregiver to her parents and family.

  Mercedes met her husband Frank through her brother Bob (he and Frank were best friends) and they were married in 1952 in a traditional Polish wedding. She and Frank loved to travel and for their honeymoon they drove across the country on Route 66 to California. Their trip was cut short due to a nationwide gas shortage and they luckily made it home. Among her other travels were cruises to Alaska and Mexico, a trip to Hawaii, and many trips to Atlantic City. She loved playing the slot machines even though she rarely won big. Mercedes was on the board of the Lagrange Street Polish Festival for many years. She worked in the festival information booth for 30 years and enjoyed reconnecting with family and friends from the old neighborhood. She was also an avid Detroit Tigers fan – even if they were losing.

  Mercedes was a fighter. Twice in the past two years she has remarkably fought her way back from illnesses that easily could have taken her life. She will be dearly missed.

  Mercedes was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Blaszczyk; son, Martin Blaszczyk; her parents, Andrew and Eleanor; and her brothers, Bill and Bob Rawski. She is survived by her daughter, Janice Blaszczyk; her cousin, Shirley Miller; and many nieces and nephews.

  Visitation will be Sunday, May 2 from 4-7 p.m. with a rosary at 6 p.m. at Sujkowski Funeral Home Northpointe, 114 E. Alexis Rd.  Funeral services will begin Monday at 9:30 a.m. in the funeral home and continue with the Funeral Mass in Regina Coeli Church at 10 a.m.  Interment will follow in Resurrection Cemetery. Those attending visitation and services are asked to wear a mask and respect social distancing guidelines.

  The family requests any donations be made to Regina Coeli Church or a charity of the donor’s choice.

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