In Memory of Catherine Blake: Funeral Assistance

It is with complete sadness that we announce the passing of our beautiful mother, Catherine Blake.

On August 28th, she presented to MMC ED with stroke-like symptoms. Shortly after she arrived, a CT scan confirmed some unexpected news - they discovered a mass in the frontal lobe of her brain. The team worked quickly to remove that mass by performing brain surgery. She recovered quite well from this only to be served with the most devastating diagnosis - adenocarcinoma stage 4 lung cancer metastatic to the brain.

Despite this life-altering diagnosis for both her and her family, she never gave up hope and was ready to fight. She spent 9 days in the hospital post-brain surgery recovering beautifully from that and was able to come home for a couple of weeks.

On Monday, September 23rd, she woke up with more concerning symptoms. She was rushed back to MMC ED and it was discovered that she was now suffering from obstructive pneumonia as well as a pulmonary embolism. After receiving treatment for those issues, she returned home again on October 1st.

On Monday, October 7th, she presented again to MMC ED by ambulance with stroke-like symptoms. This time, it was confirmed that she did suffer a stroke. From there, she was treated to the best of the staff's ability as new discoveries were being made regarding her health. They discovered that she had suffered from a brain bleed as well as a hole in her heart, both contributing factors to the stroke.

From there, she declined quickly - unable to speak - and ended up in the ICU. Her lovely nurse in the ICU, in the most gentle and kind way, suggested coordinating with Hospice Care of Southern Maine.

On the afternoon of October 10th, she was transferred to Gosnell House in Scarborough. Despite our mother’s will and courage to continue her fight, she passed peacefully early in the morning on Saturday, October 12th.

It was clear to all of her care team at MMC as well as the hospice staff what she was holding on for. She loved her family more than life and would have given the shirt off her back to anyone in need. She handled all of this with such grace and fought her hardest with her family by her side every step of the way. She will be missed incredibly, especially by her children and grandchildren.

We are pleading to all of our family and friends for help with upcoming funeral services and medical bills.

Thank you so kindly,

Toni, Samantha, Emily, and Ronnie