Mary Blake
April 27, 1937 - February 23, 2011

Mary was born April 27, 1937 in Owatonna, MN to Paul and Luella Otteson then moved to Port Charlotte in 1994 when her husband Don retired. She is a graduate of St. Olaf College with a PhD from Ohio State University. She married Pastor Don Blake in 1963 who was a Lutheran pastor in Detroit. She along with her husband served congregations in Michigan, New York and Florida. Mary was the founding president of Metro NY Lutheran Women’s Organization (WELCA) and served on WELCA’s national board for 6 years. She currently served as state president of Church Women United and on the executive board of Lifelong Learning Institute (LLI) at Edison College.

She is survived by her loving husband of 48 years, Donald Blake; 2 sons, Douglas (Christine) Blake of South Windsor, CT and Harvey (Tracy) Blake of Glen Rock, NJ; 2 brothers, Dave (Barbara) Otteson of Dallas, TX and Jim (Bobbi) Otteson of Owatonna, MN and 5 grandchildren, Andrew, Matthew, Miriam, Colin and Jack.

Visitation will be 1PM-3PM, Monday, February 28, 2011 at Messiah Lutheran Church 2691 N.E. Pine Island Road Cape Coral, FL 33909. Funeral Services will follow at 3PM at the church. Graveside service and committal will be held at a later date in Chautauqua County, NY.

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Mary was born April 27, 1937 in Owatonna, MN to Paul and Luella Otteson then moved to Port Charlotte in 1994 when her husband Don retired. She is a graduate of St. Olaf College with a PhD from Ohio State University. She married Pastor Don Blake in 1963 who was a Lutheran pastor in Detroit.…

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Karen Tundel Kramme left a message on December 22, 2011:
My mom, Hjordis Tundel, worked with Mary during the WELCA days. Since then they have exchanged Christmas cards. Mom always spoke highly of Mary. We are sorry for your loss.
gretchen eckard left a message on May 17, 2011:
To Mary's family: I remember a couple of funny skits that Mary had written for the WELCA Fall Gatherings at Lake Yale and her hats, I also attended her workshop "It's New, It's Blue, Independent too" WELCA beginnings. She was so informative. Someone at that workshop asked her about the Water lily symbol's meaning and referred to it as a plant that will take over and use up all the water. Mary's reply was: "Now we can't think about that" . (I still have my notes from that workshop). I was so sorry to hear that she is not with us here anymore. What a Christian shining star she was. She certainly will be missed. You have my sincere sympathy. Gretchen Eckard Tallahassee, FL 32308
Ted and Mallory Richter left a message on February 26, 2011:
We would like to send our deepest condolences to Mary's family. We are Ted and Mallory Richter. Ted is the grandson of Helen Ottesen Bullard who resided in CT after moving from MN. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Maureen Rand left a message on February 26, 2011:
Mary was a wonderful lady. She was a very dedicated and involved volunteer and I will miss her.
Frank and Susan McShane left a message on February 26, 2011:
Dear Don and family, Sandy Ost called me on Sat. to let me know of Mary's death. I had not long ago received your Christmas Letter, which Mary said was delayed. I had so hoped that this year we could plan to get together. I had known Mary since we were in 4th grade and although we didn't see each other with regularity, she was considered a long time friend. She isn't hurting now and I know she is with the Lord and certainly with all of us in Spirit. Sincerely, Susan McShane
Roberson Funeral Home left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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