Mary L. Blakely
April 10, 1950 – October 19, 2025
A family memorial service will be held at a later date. Interment will be in Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park.
Obituary
Mary Blakely, cherished mother, grandmother, educator, author, and mentor to many, passed away peacefully on October 19, 2025, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, at the age of 75. Born on April 10, 1950, Mary lived a life devoted to learning, teaching, and helping others reach their fullest potential. She began her career as a teacher at Mattawan Middle School, where her creativity and compassion quickly earned the admiration of students and colleagues. Later, as President and CEO of Azuray Learning, Inc., where she created and delivered innovative, multi-sensory learning programs that inspired students, educators, and professionals. Her belief that all children deserve access to quality education—regardless of their background or socioeconomic status—led her to establish her own charter school, Reach & Teach, which continues today under the leadership of Kalamazoo Public Schools as the Youth Advancement Academy—an enduring testament to her belief in the power of learning.
A proud graduate of Central Michigan University and Western Michigan University, Mary was honored in 2009 with WMU’s Golden Apple Award for her enthusiasm, integrity, and lasting impact on education. She was the author of *Why Not You?: Understand Why You Do What You Do.* (2000), an acclaimed guide to self-awareness and transformation, followed by *Unmasking Bullies & Victims*, which explored the complex dynamics of empathy, behavior, and human connection. Beyond her professional achievements, Mary was a devoted and loving mother to her three children, Chad (Jessie) Blakely, David (Suzy) Blakely, and Kara (Jim) Rohrstaff; a cherished grandmother to Brandon, Ryan & Kyle Blakely, & Blake, and Eric Rohrstaff; and proud great-grandmother to Paisley Blakely. She will be remembered for her warmth, humor, and unwavering belief in the potential of others. A private family service will be held to celebrate her life.
Mary was my next door neighbor for several years. Our kids played together and the stay at home moms in the neighborhood watched each other kids when needed. Mary and I taught at Mattawan while getting our Masters at Western Michigan University. It was so nice having each other for encouragement and support for the difficult task of going to class at night after teaching all day and being mom and wife the rest of the time. I really appreciated her friendship and admired her ambition for all things teaching.
It is with sadness that I learn of Mary’s passing today, April 13, 2026. I have lost a good friend and mentor. I first met Mary when I attended one of the programs at Azuray Leaning Center. Our friendship started when she visited my high school classroom at Portage Northern. She presented to my students using her life-size puppet several times. I read and reread the two books she wrote. When I retired from PN, I was hired to teach in the Career and Technical Education Department/College of Education at Western Michigan University. I used both her books in my classroom at WMU. My university students visited her school and got to know her students. Mary never gave up on a student; she always saw the best in a person. Her teaching methods and understanding of learning styles brought many of my students to comment on, “Oh that’s how I learn”. What an honor to be at her Golden Apple Award ceremony where she was recognized for her hard work and dedication. Our path continued as friends meeting for meals on Westnedge Ave. She told me when she was diagnosed that she would face life and do her best. I thought she had moved away and there was no communication from her to me. My biggest sadness today is that I read that she died in Kalamazoo. Thank you Mary for showing me that we should never give up, never judge a person and learn about that person’s background, and to love dogs. Rest in peace Mary. I am a better person for having met you.