Martha Blizewski

Martha J. Blizewski, former longtime Missouri resident, died Saturday, April 4, 2009 at the age of 84.  Martha was born in St. Joseph, Missouri, the daughter of Charles and Elizabeth (Libel) Richards.  On June 12, 1948, she married Edward Blizewski at St. Patrick's Church in St. Joseph.  Martha worked in the travel industry since 1944 working for several airlines, and in later years as a travel consultant.  She enjoyed traveling the world, visiting every continent and most countries throughout her life, always sharing her rich experiences with others.  Martha also volunteered extensively for over 34 years for the blind, becoming a certified braillist in 1965 by the Library of Congress.  She received the Noteworthy Award for completing 500 hours of recording books, and upon completing 2500 hours of braille typing, she received from the Library of Congress the Meritorious Award.   Martha was also very active in her community volunteering for Meals on Wheels in recent years and a member of St. Charles Women’s Circle since 1960. Martha will be sadly missed by her two children:  Susan Barnhart of Delafield, WI, and Brent (Cindy) Blizewski of Charlotte, NC; 3 grandchildren: Britta and Jenna Barnhart, and Rachael Blizewski; sister-in-law, Evelyn Richards of Denver, CO; nephew, Scott (Mary Ann) Richards; and niece, Deb (Roger) Bothwell.  She is preceded in death by her husband, Ed in 2007, her parents, brother Paul Richards, nephew Mark Richards, and son-in-law Scott Barnhart. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 8, 2009 from 8:00 AM until the 9:00 AM funeral Mass at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 900 NE Shady Lane Dr., Oakview, MO 64118. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery in St. Joseph, MO. For further information, please call Randle-Dable Funeral, Cremation and Preplanning Services in Waukesha, WI at (262) 547-4035, or visit www.waukeshafunerals.com to leave an online tribute. McGilley Antioch Chapel in Kansas City is also assisting the family, (816) 453-7700.