Mary Bridget Blaha

Mary Bridget (nee Carolan) Blaha, 90, of Avondale Estates, Georgia, passed away peacefully on April 6, 2026. She was born at St. Mary's Hospital in Orange, New Jersey, on May 28, 1935, to Terence and Nora (nee Owens) Carolan, both of whom emigrated from Ireland and settled in Newark, NJ. Mary was their firstborn child. In her youth, she was a talented Irish dancer who enjoyed participating in dance competitions. She graduated from Saint James High School in Newark, New Jersey. After graduation, she was a bookkeeper at various companies, eventually becoming a department supervisor.

Out at a bar one night with a good friend, Mary was ready to leave but her girlfriend wanted to stay. Her girlfriend spotted Edward Blaha, a guy she knew from the neighborhood, and asked him to drive her home. Mary protested, telling her friend, "Are you crazy? I don't even know him." Her friend reassured her and said, "No, Ed's okay." That drive home blossomed into a loving relationship and 60 years of marriage that ended with Ed's passing in 2019. Ed and Mary bought their first home in Neptune, NJ, and soon after moved to Wall Township, NJ. In 1973, they decided to move to Saint Augustine, FL, to enjoy the historic charm and beautiful climate of that city. They loved their life together in Saint Augustine. In addition to being a stay-at-home mom for their only son, Edward, Mary volunteered with a nonprofit organization assisting special needs persons and also cared for elderly neighbors who had no family nearby. She also helped run the small business that she and Ed owned. After they decided to close their business, she worked at The Irish Shop in Saint Augustine's Historic District where she enjoyed talking with customers who shared her Irish heritage. When their home was damaged by a hurricane in 2016, they relocated to live with their son, Edward, in Avondale Estates, GA.

Mary was a very loving person. She could always be counted on to send cards to family and friends to mark every occasion. Her only regret about moving to Florida was that she didn't get to see all her family as often as she would have liked. All who knew her will miss her caring ways, her warmth and her infectious laughter. Although she developed dementia and aphasia in her late 80's and her ability to communicate became more difficult and frustrating for her, there were two things that she was always able to say clearly and often: "happy" and "love you".

Mary is survived by her sister Nora DeNike and her brother Terry Carolan and many loving nieces, nephews, and extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother-in-law Bill DeNike; her sister-in-law Mary Carolan; Ed's brothers Les (and his wife, Kit) and Ron (and his wife, Jean) and Ed's sister Ceil Ferguson (and her husband, John). She is also survived by her loving son, Edward, to whom she was more than just a wonderful mother; she was a trusted advisor, supportive soulmate, and close friend. Their bond and her love for him will remain forever in his heart.

Sincere appreciation is expressed to all of the following for the outstanding, compassionate care provided to Mary:

Her geriatrician, Dr. Sivan Ben-Moshe, and the excellent care team at the Emory Geriatric Clinic;

Her personal care aides over the past four years, including Sharon, Fre, Shontel and Tia, to whom she was immensely grateful for their friendship and support in the comfort of her own home;

Her nurse at Family Private Home Care, Joyce, for her gracious care, wisdom and counsel;

The support staff at Family Private Home Care for their kindness and responsiveness; and

The entire team at Symponia Hospice including Alan, Angel, Pam, her nurse/case manager Rochelle, and her CNAs, Shonteria and CiCi. Their exceptional care, positive energy and warmth were very soothing and brought her peace even on days that were challenging. Everyone was a tremendous comfort and provided much needed support to her son and caregiver, Edward.