Mary Jane Blakeslee, 95 of Manistee, Michigan passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on August 21, 2017 at Green Acres in Manistee. Born on July 15, 1922 in Pontiac Michigan, the daughter of the late Martin and Ethel Cloonan. Mary Jane graduated from Kingswood/Cranbrook Institute of Art. She eloped with the love of her life Arthur Blakeslee and together began their journey that lasted for over 72 years until his passing on August 20, 2013. Together they raised three children, enjoyed sailing, skiing, golfing and traveling. Their life was a wonderful adventure that included their children Ted (Jerry) Blakeslee, Ann (Chuck) Blum and Martin (Denise) Blakeslee; grandchildren Lisa Hammill, Mike (Christina) Hammill, Hilary (Mark) Frear, Lori (Jon) Palmquist), Jonathon (Amelia) Blakeslee, Ben Blakeslee, Brandon (Jessica) Jensen and Amanda Jensen; great grandchildren Abbey and Jack Brogan, Carter and Hailey Frear, Chase and Hadley Hammill, Luca, Hope, and Mason Palmquist, Olivia Blakeslee and Maddy Jensen.
Mary Jane in addition to providing a home for her family volunteered in the community and was a member of the United Methodist Church, an active member of the PTO Group, and West Shore Hospital Auxiliary where she served as president 1974-1975. She enjoyed her weekly game of bridge with a group of friends and was a superb player.
Mary Jane was also preceded in death by her infant brother Martin Cloonan .
Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at 11am on Friday, August 25, 2017 at the Manistee United Methodist church with Pastor John Scott officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 10 am until time of service.
Mary Jane was an avid reader her entire life. The family is asking in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mary Jane’s name may be directed to the benefit of the Manistee County Library or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary Jane Blakeslee (Cloonan), please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.