Paula Marie (Cunningham) Blake

Paula Marie Blake, beloved wife of John J. Blake, passed away on March 3, 2025, from complications following heart surgery. She fought a courageous 6-month battle, and her example of suffering with grace inspired all around her.  She was the oldest daughter of the late Joseph A. and Evelyn F. Cunningham. She leaves behind her siblings Joseph A. “Allie” Cunningham, Jr. (Betsy), Robert “Tink” Cunningham (Theresa), Mark Cunningham (Mary), Mary Sharp (Bill), and John Cunningham (Dory).  Paula was Godmother to Audrey Cunningham, William Sharp, and Josh Colbourn. She was a loving Aunt to her many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Paula grew up in Cheverly, MD where she attended St. Ambrose Catholic Church. She attended the University of Maryland at College Park. While working at Montgomery Ward at Capitol Plaza, she met the love of her life, John, and they married in 1984. They started married life in Laurel, MD but eventually settled and made their home in Columbia, MD.  Paula was ever the hostess; she loved to have friends and family over. She and John hosted many get togethers, but Halloween parties were always a huge hit. Paula had such a contagious laugh and a spirit of friendship that she loved to share. She was a highly creative and loveable person. All these attributes led Paula to her beloved hobby performing as “Patches” the clown. As “Patches,” Paula would travel to events doing face painting and making balloon animals that were enjoyed by children and adults alike. But clowning aside, Paula loved helping her friends and would take time out to drive them to appointments or just spend time with them and brighten their day.  Paula also loved Bingo, playing games, and coloring beautiful inspirational pictures that she gave as gifts. Paula even took her crafts to events and with her sister would sell some of them. But by Spring, Paula would be in full baseball fever. She loved her Orioles and if she wasn’t at the game, she was definitely watching or listening. She and John also attended the Baysox. She really loved Baseball.

Paula had a strong belief in her faith and was a parishioner of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church for over 33 years. There she served as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, and a weekly Adorer. She prepared casseroles for Our Daily Bread, and weekly lunches for SALT.  She was a member of the Catholic Daughters, and of the Fatima Rosary Group.

Paula touched so many lives and had a heart of gold.  She will be deeply missed by all.

Family will gather for a visitation at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Ellicott City on March 22, 2025, with a funeral mass following at 12:00 noon.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in memory of Paula M. Blake.

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