Dona Blake

MILLBURY - Hilda E. “Dona” (Sluckis) Blake, 88, passed away on October 28, 2021 following a brief illness.

Dona was born at home in Barre Plains, MA to William and Mary Sluckis. She graduated from Barre High School in 1951.  Dona then attended the University of Massachusetts, graduating in 1955 with a degree in Home Economics and a concentration in Education. On August 27, 1955, Dona married Alfred Blake in South Barre, and they lived happily in Gardner.  Dona’s first job was at Gardner State Hospital, where she worked as a dietician.  She was a 4H Agent for the Worcester County Extension Service prior to the birth of the couple’s son, Edward. Later, they moved to Millbury, and Dona taught Home Economics at Worcester East Middle School.

Dona is survived by her husband of 66 years, Al Blake.  Edward Blake and his wife Jennifer have three adult daughters, Lauren, Emily and Kate. Dona is survived by several nieces and nephews, including her sister’s daughters Donna Dymon and Francis Labuda as well as her grandnephew Mark, his wife Jamie and their children, Luka and Ava.

Dona was predeceased by her sister, Bernice Dymon, and her brother, Albert Sluckis.

Family and friends will remember and celebrate Dona’s life with a time of visitation on Thursday, November 4th from 9 to 10 a.m. at Mulhane Home for Funerals, 45 N. Main Street, Millbury.

Her Funeral Mass will be held the same day at 10:30 a.m. in St Brigid’s Church, 59 N Main Street, Millbury. Burial will follow in St. Brigid Cemetery, Millbury.

The family requests face masks or coverings be worn in the funeral home and in the church.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Dona’s memory to:

The Friends of Millbury Seniors, One River Street, Millbury, MA 01527.