Mariea E. Blake
Mariea Blake was born May 14, 1945 in Pocatello, Idaho. She died September 28, 2010 as a result of complications associated with a fall. Mariea spent her childhood in Ontario, Oregon and Payette, Idaho before graduating from Borah High School in Boise in 1963. She went on to attend Boise State University and received her undergraduate3 degree in education in 1968. Upon finishing college Mariea moved to Alaska. After living in Anchorage for a short while Mariea moved to Cordova Where she met and married Stanley Shafer. For 15 years Stan and Mariea lived in Cordova raising their two children Scott and Melanie. During that time Mariea was an elementary and junior high school teacher, and a drill team coach. In 1986 two years after Stan passed away from cancer Mariea moved to Montana.
In 1990 Mariea met David Blake on a summer trip back to Alaska. Later that year Dave and Mariea were married. After 18 years of Marriage Dave passed away from cancer in 2007.
Upon moving to Montana Mariea took a short break from teaching before embarking upon a 19 year career with the Ronan School District. During that time Mariea continued her commitment to education earning her Master’s Degree in Education with a focus on multi-cultural education in 1995. Throughout Mariea’s teaching career she taught to various age groups, ranging from second graders to adults pursuing post high school degrees, in addition to writing student lessons and teacher guides focused on Native American Studies. Prior to retiring in 2009 Mariea spent fifteen years teaching at Pablo Elementary School, most of which was spent with second graders.
As a teacher Mariea earned the respect and admiration of her co-workers and most importantly her students. She was extremely devoted to the children who walker through her classroom door, and she tirelessly worked to find ways to make each student feel special, loved and worthy.
As a grandmother to her four grandsons and one granddaughter Mariea was a continuous source of love. One of her favorite things to do for her grandchildren was sew; whether it was a much-loved blanket or a Halloween costume no request by her grandchildren was ever denied. All it takes is one quick glance around Mariea’s house full of photo and children’s artwork and you can see how treasured her grandchildren were.
As a mother Mariea was everything two children could ask for. Her love always came free of ties or conditions, and no matter what the situation, she was there to care for us without hesitation or judgment. It is impossible to put into words how much her homemade greeting cards, corny jokes or stories will be missed, or how very much we wish she could continue to see our children grown up.
In addition to Mariea’s devotion to her students and family was her involvement with the community. Mariea was a volunteer at the Bread Basket in Ronan, a member of the bowling team, and a quilting guild, and was actively involved with St. Andrew Episcopal Church in Polson. Amazingly Mariea still found some spare time, during which she loved to travel, golf and spend “girl” time with her much-loved friends.
Her brothers John West and Mike Gerdau, her son Scott Shafer and his wife Randee and their children Allison, Soren and Jensen, her daughter Melanie and her husband Matt and children Terren and Skyler, in addition to many extended family members and dear friends, survive Mariea.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday October 6, 2010 at 10:00 am in St Andrew Episcopal Church in Polson. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to a fund to benefit the students at Pablo Elementary School. An account has been sent up a the 1st Citizen Bank in Polson, Montana, 213 1st Street West, Polson, Montana 59860-(406) 883-4358. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. Arrangments and services under the care of Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory of Polson.
Mel, We were so sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. She was a wonderful lady and always remember all those great memories…In deepest sympathy
Farewell, dear friend – too soon, too soon – who will grow old with me now? Such memories, clear back to our early college years – one of my longest and most cherished friendships. My heart a ches for you, Melanie and Scott,and the grandchildren she loved so dearly. Please stay in touch. Thank you so much for thinking of me and calling when you have so much to deal with now. I grieve with you and celebrate the precious gift of your Mother’s life.
My deepest and sincerest sympathy and love -
Lizz Tucker
Robin and I are so sorry for your lost, she will be greatly missed in our school system. Our prayers go out to the family.
Scott, Melanie and families,
We are so saddened by the loss of Mariea. We are sorry that we cannot be there with you. We have all gathered at Lynn’s. Wanda and Melvin, Roger and Cindy, Dale and Brenda, Tara and Scott and girls, Irene and Beth and Ryan. And everyone else in heart. We are thinking about you all and thinking about Mariea! We love you!
Farewell Mariea, I am glad I got to know you and that my children were blessed to have you as their reading teacher and summer school teacher. Your memory will live on with our young teachers who you have touched at Pablo Elementary and with all of the children in our community.
My deepedst sympathy to the family,
Shawnna, Tony, Antawnna and Jeremiah Berthelote
Mariea was an inspiration with her sense of humor and love of teaching. I particularily enjoyed visiting with her concerning her news of family and those wonderful lemon bars. She will be missed and thought of fondly for years to come.
she was a great teacher and will be greatly missed by her co workers..I’m sorry for your loss. My thoughts and Prayers are with you
I wish we could send the Chevy to heaven, then Mariea & Dave could cruise on the clouds. Now that they’re together they’ll both be looking down on us and smiling. We’ll miss you Mariea, hug Dave for us.
Mel,
So sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. I didn’t get the chance to meet her, but after reading her obituary, feel like I knew her. Praying for you and the family during this time. Your kiddos were lucky to have such a wonderful nana. Will be thinking of you, especially on Wednesday. Love ya girl. See you soon.
Mel and family, Our deepest and heartfelt sympathy to you at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Love, Elaine, Jason and Taylor.
I am so sorry to hear about your mom. I have groomed her dogs for a very long time, we always talked about the fun things she did when she came in. She will be missed.
Mel, I feel lucky to have met your mom this summer when she was here. She was full of life and loving sharing time with you and the boys at softball (even in the rain). She was having such a good time, but even better, she was with you. She just lit up with pride when she was talking about you (you were batting at the time), telling me what a fine woman, mother, and teacher you’d become. She gushed about all her grandkids, I think if it hadn’t been raining she would have busted out a picture or two. She was truly a proud grandma.
We pray that you and your family will find comfort and strength in each other today and every day. Remember and share the good memories of your mom, let them comfort you. Know that she will always live in your hearts.
Love Jeri, Liesl, and Derek
Mel, I’m so sorry. All I can think about is our conversation at Humpy’s. I didn’t know your mom, just the brief hello at the softball fields. Reading her obituary I see a lot of her in you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Love Helen and Crystal