Marie José Blazej, 95

Lived Life to its Fullest with Strong Convictions

MELROSE – Marie José (Michiels) Blazej passed away peacefully on March 21, 2024. Marie José, who preferred to be known as José, was born on December 20, 1928 in Molenbeek-Saint-Jean, Belgium. She was the second of three children of the late Charles Michiels and Jeanne (Buelens) Michiels. She was raised in Moortebeek, a cité-jardin on the outskirts of Brussels, Belgium. Despite the hardships of life during WWII she managed to complete her schooling while excelling in math and found work in accounting. After the liberation of Belgium she met the love of her life, Richard T. Blazej, an American soldier, at a street fair in Anderlecht.

At the age of 18 she flew on one of the first transatlantic commercial flights to NY to marry Richard and to begin their life together on Long Island for 70 years. Although she lived most of her life in the USA, she was a proud Belgian who always enjoyed finding others with whom she could speak French. It was fortunate for her that her son Tom married Virginie, a French woman!

Her early years as a homemaker kept her busy raising a family. She regularly met up with her French club where she made lifelong friendships, some of which she was still in contact with until her passing. José enjoyed volunteering and getting involved in many community activities including PTA, the Church, Cub Scouts, etc. When she found a cause that needed addressing, she was the first in line to raise questions and challenge authority. Her proudest moment was blocking LILCO, the local utility from installing dangerous transmission lines through her neighborhood.

After the family moved to Northport, New York, José found an opportunity to resume her accounting skills which eventually lead to the ownership of a seafood restaurant – The Sea Shanty, which she ran for 20 years. It was very popular with locals and visitors for the excellent food, great service, and fair prices. She was proud of the opportunities she provided for local youth with their first jobs, and immigrants from El Salvador to build their lives in Northport.

José loved reading, listening to music, dancing, laughing and staying in touch with family and friends through FaceBook, email and texting. Special memories were formed every summer when the family went to the family cottage in Ontario. Later, to continue this tradition she put substantial energy and resources into creating the family camp at Tunk Lake, Maine. She and Richard travelled after retirement and especially enjoyed National Parks along with her childhood friend Charles from Brussels. Despite living through the hardships of occupied Belgium, Richard's PTSD struggles, and the loss of three children (Michael 1948-1950, Suzanne 1958-1960, and Thomas 1961 for 2 days) she persevered and lived a full life and never stopped fighting for what she believed in.

She was a beacon of unwavering commitment to political and social justice, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and guide future generations through her family and friends. Throughout her remarkable life, José was dedicated to championing the causes that lay at the heart of civil fairness and the needs of working families. She remained perpetually informed on the breaking issues that shaped our world, understanding deeply how political shifts and policies impacted society. Her legacy is not just in the causes she supported but in the lives she changed, the community she helped build on Long Island, and the love she spread through her fight for a fairer world.

José is survived by four children and their families; Dan Blazej and his children Michael and Laura; Ken Blazej with his wife Barbara and their children Nanda, Kerri and Lindsy; Tom Blazej with his wife Virginie and their children Lucy and Julia; Jeanne (Blazej) Melhado with her husband David and their children Ashlee and Samuel; and five great-grandchildren; Mathilde, Benny, Leona, Zia and Liliana.

Visiting hours will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Saturday, March 30, 2024, from 10AM-12:00PM, followed by a memorial service at the funeral home at 12:00PM. Relatives & friends respectfully invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made by check to: The Fitch Home, Inc. and mailed to Maria Haggerty, Executive Director, The Fitch, 75 Lake Ave, Melrose, MA 02176.