Mary E. Shandorf Blackburn

Mary E. Shandorf Blackburn

Mary E. Shandorf Blackburn, age 88, of Erie, died unexpectedly on Saturday, September 19, 2009 at her residence.

She was born September 3, 1921 in Everson, PA, a daughter of the late Frank and Julia Collins Shandorf. She served in the United States Army during World War II. She had worked at Erie Technological and for the Millcreek School District. She was a member of the Seibenbuerger Women's Auxiliary and active in Veteran Womens Support Groups. She also enjoyed baking.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Matthew T. "Tom" Blackburn; four brothers, Henry Charles, Thomas K., William and Daniel Shandorf and three sisters, Sarah Hamilton, Rita Newcomer and Anna Lovasz.

She is survived by two daughters, Mary E. Blackurn of Conneaut Lake, PA and Kathleen Blackburn Pae of Erie; three sons, Matthew T. Blackburn Jr. and his wife Christine of Erie, Mark R. Blackburn and his wife Sherri of North East, PA and Gerald V. Blackburn and his wife Dawn of Edinboro, PA; two brothers, Frank Shandorf of Connellsville, PA and John Shandorf of Erie; one sister Dolores "Jean" Sanfarel of Everson, PA and seven grandchildren, Matthew Blackburn and wife Christy, Melissa Kilburn and husband Klay, Andrew, Jessica, Angela, Kaitlyn and Tom Blackburn. She is also survived three great-grandchildren, Emma and Matthew R. Blackburn and Klayton Kilburn and many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call at the John R. Orlando Funeral Home, Inc., 2122 Raspberry Street, on Monday from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 pm and may attend a service there on Tuesday at 9:30 am followed by a Funeral Mass at Saint Paul RC Church, 1617 Walnut Street, at 10 am. A Christian Wake Service will be held at the funeral home on Monday at 3 pm. Burial will be in Erie County Memorial Gardens.

Memorials may be made to the John Kanzius Cancer Research Fund, Palace Business Center, 915 State St., Erie, PA 16501.