Mary Alice Wilson Blok

Posted on August 12, 2026

Our mother, Mary Alice Wilson Blok, 85, of Panama City, Republic of Panama, transitioned peacefully in her sleep on Aug. 4, 2026, in Perry surrounded by the profound love of her family. Born on Sept. 9, 1940, in Alachua, Fla., to Jesse Gracy Wilson and Estelle Jeanette Baucum Wilson, Mary grew up on the family farm and graduated from high school at Santa Fe High School in 1957. Mary Alice worked in the bookstore at University of Florida (UF), where she later met the love of her life of 66 years, Peter Anthony Blok of Panama City, Republic of Panama, and married at Pine Grove Baptist Church in Gainesville on Sept. 6, 1959. In early 1962, Peter graduated from UF and the family moved to start their life in Panama. Mary Alice lived a life defined by an extraordinary capacity to love, nurture and give. Whether she was tending to her home, supporting her husband, children and grandchildren through every triumph and trial or extending her hand to those in need, her heart was a constant sanctuary of love, warmth and grace. As a mother Mary Alice was the bedrock and gentle compass of her family. She gave herself without reservation, offering a listening ear, wise counsel and a shoulder to lean on. Her support was unwavering, her patience endless and her pride in her children and grandchildren in her loudest voice. To know her was to feel valued, protected and unconditionally loved. Her legacy of kindness extended far beyond her immediate family. She taught us that a life welllived is measured not by what we accumulate, but by how deeply we care for one another. She is survived by: her husband of 66 years, Peter Anthony Blok; her loving children, Peter M. Blok, Mary Anne Blok Swain (Thomas) and Robert Anthony Blok (Marilu); her cherished grandchildren, Gary Blok (Marichel), Chantal Blok, Stephanie Blok, Rachelle Lynch (Randy), Natasha Elam (Wayne), Allen Swain, Melissa Zasada, Teresa Blok (Rafael), Natalie Blok, Nicole McQueen (Cameron) and Maria Casaba; 12 greatgrandchildren; two sisters, Barbara Krause (Cliff) and Margaret Gruno (Bob); and a host of nieces and nephews, as well as a vast circle of extended family and friends whose lives she forever brightened. She was preceded in death by: her father, Jesse Gracy Wilson; her mother, Estelle Jeanette Wilson; her brother, Jesse Gracy Wilson Jr.; and sisters, Shirley Mae Scott, Virginia Lee Wilson and Laura Sue Wilson. Services to celebrate her beautiful life and enduring spirit will be held on Thursday, Aug. 13, with a viewing at 10 a.m. and services at 11 a.m. at Joe P. Burns Funeral Home Chapel. An interment service will follow at 3 p.m. in Newnansville Cemetery, located at 12308 West State Rd. 235 in Alachua.