Marylou Blades, age 67, of Ocean View, Delaware, passed away peacefully in her home on January 13th, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. For the last 7 years, Marylou struggled bravely with Frontotemporal Dementia. Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) is a form of dementia that is rare and highly aggressive.

Marylou was born on February 24th 1957 in New Rochelle, New York. She is preceded in death by her parents Rocco and Lola Speziale; brother John Speziale and sister Patricia Seftner. Left to cherish Marylou's memory is her brother Salvatore Speziale and his wife Anna Speziale; son John Speziale and his significant other Tia Sexton; daughter Lauren Blades Harrington and her husband Jeremy Harrington; the father of her children Dennis Blades; three beautiful grandchildren Brodie, Brooks, and Mina; and nephews Rocco and Michael Speziale.

Marylou attended Wilmington University where she graduated with a Master's Degree in mental health counseling. After graduating from college, Marylou worked numerous positions in the mental health field in Sussex County, such as a Correctional Counselor for the Sussex Correctional Institution for men in Georgetown followed by 14 dedicated years at Fellowship Health Resources as the Director of Residential Treatment Services.

Marylou will be remembered for her intellect, compassion for others, independence, and quick witted-humor. She loved entertaining guests, traveling the world, but most of all she loved her family wholeheartedly. In the winter months you could find Marylou on a tropical beach shelling with a good glass of wine in hand. She will be greatly missed!

A celebration of life will be held in the spring. The family would like to share their utmost appreciation for Cindy English (her care angel), her hospice nurses from Compassionate Care, CHEER- Meals on Wheels, and the team from Melson Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD) or CHEER- Meals on Wheels, Center, P.O. Box 637, Ocean View, Delaware, 19970.