Blanche Marie Spears, of Lexington Park, died peacefully on January 13, 2012, at St. Mary's Hospital. Born March 10, 1938, in Hollywood, MD, she was the daughter of the late Joseph A. and Idola M. Spears.

Ms. Spears was a lifelong resident of St. Mary's County. She received her education in the St. Mary's County Public Schools system. Throughout her life she enjoyed working for several families as a caregiver for their loved ones. She had a love for reading, watching the Game Show Network, playing cards, and being around her grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her lifelong companion and friend of over 37 years, John Eldridge, who died only 13 hours after her; the two were inseparable even in death, two sisters, Delores Somerville and Margret Nurse; two brothers Francis Adolph Spears and Joseph Spears.

She is survived by her son, Thomas Jay Spears and daughter-in-law Danielle; grandchildren Jalen and Jaela all of Waldorf, Martel and Martaz of Lexington Park; brothers, James Eugene Spears of Ridge and Charles Leroy Spears of Lexington Park; sisters, Mary Helena Spears of Lexington Park; Phyllis Marie Thomas of Hampton, VA; aunt Gertrude Wallace of Buffalo, NY and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

The family will receive friends in St. John's Catholic Church, Hollywood, MD., Thursday, January 19, 2012 from 10:00 AM -11:00 AM., with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 11:00 AM, with Father Raymond Schmidt officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Arrangements entrusted to Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, Maryland.