Margaret "Maggie" A. Blaies

Margaret “Maggie” Ann Blaies, nee Meyer, age 88, of Fairview Heights, IL, went to Heaven on Mothers’ Day, Sunday, May 14, 2023. 

Maggie was born in East St. Louis on April 15, 1935, to Louis and Mary, nee Vermillon, Meyer.  She graduated from Notre Dame Academy in Belleville in 1953.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Mary, nee Vermillon Meyer; her brothers, Robert Meyer and Gene Meyer; and her sister, Dolores Davis.

Maggie is survived by her husband, Joseph W. Blaies, III; her children, Patricia (Tom) Chesley of Belleville, IL, and Joseph W. Blaies, IV of St. Louis, MO; her grandchildren, Amanda (Dr. Matthew Blecha) Blecha of Chicago, IL, Clay (Katie) Frauenfelder of Kirkwood, MO, Joel (Yenni) Blaies of Columbia, IL, and Lauren (Anthony) Randazzo of Edwardsville, IL; and her great-grandchildren, Isabelle and Joseph John “J.J.” Blecha, Amelie and Zoe Blaies, Gretchen Frauenfelder, and Blaine, Blake and Raif Randazzo.

Maggie married the love of her life Joseph “Joe” Blaies, III, on July 10, 1954.  They enjoyed seventy very loving and fun-filled years together.  The family they created meant everything to her.  She adored her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  Maggie was a second mother to her nieces and nephews.

Maggie made the world a better place and her legacy of kindness lives on in her family.  She was warm, loving, compassionate, and empathetic.  She saw the best of everyone. Maggie had the unique ability to truly listen and be there for her loved ones, withholding advice until it was welcome. She instilled confidence in her family and friends, encouraging them to welcome “the next chapter” of their lives.  

Maggie lived life to the fullest. Her smile lit up the room. She had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed deep laughs.  She was one of the first on the dance floor.  Maggie gave the best hugs.

She enjoyed cooking, gardening, and quilting.  Maggie baked the most wonderful Christmas cookies and fruitcakes. Her family has so many special memories with her, especially around the holidays.

Maggie and Joe enjoyed spending weekends and summers at Little Grassy, fishing and laughing with family and friends, for over fifty years.

She worked for the Saint Clair County Highway Department for 21 years. Maggie was an active member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church.  Over the years, she enjoyed participating in various clubs, including St. Ann’s Altar Society, the Garden Club, the Red Hat Society, and more.  

She loved waking up early to sip coffee and listen to birds chirping on her porch, surrounded by the garden she and Joe planted. This is how she will be remembered.

Memorials are preferred to Holy Trinity Building Fund.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Fairview Heights, IL.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Fairview Heights, IL, with Fr. James Nall officiating.  Interment will be held in Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, IL. 

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