Marie Blake

Marie Blake passed December 29, 2023 at her home in San Antonio, Texas at the age of 85. During her last days she was surrounded by many loved ones- her children and grandchildren, and her cherished husband of 67 years, Frederick Blake, whose hand she was holding when she passed.

Marie was born on March 21, 1938 in Sharpes, Florida. She was the 9th of 9 children born to Wilbur and Nettie Sorey. She grew up helping on the family orange grove. When in high school, she met the love of her life, Frederick Blake. They started dating the summer of 1954 and were married on June 17, 1956. Together they had 3 children, Deborah, Roger, and Melissa. In 1972 they moved to San Antonio, Texas where they joined St. Andrew’s Methodist Church and became active members. For over 40 years Marie supported her church and congregation through volunteer work and acts of service. During that time, she was Chairman of the VIP Program, an active member of the United Methodist Women and Angels on Wheels, served as chairman of the Church Membership Committee, and was the Kitchen Facilities Coordinator, organizing the use of the kitchens and keeping them sparkling with weekly cleanings.

In her home life, Marie was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Throughout their 67 ½ year marriage she worked as a homemaker and provided amazing meals nightly. She became well-known amongst her children’s friends, and later spouses, as an outstanding cook, and she happily fed any who were around at mealtimes. She loved being a grandmother and doted on all her grandkids reading to them, playing games, playing outside with them, and taking them to fun places. All her grandkids adored her and loved spending time with her. She was also an avid reader herself- her personal library was full of books of all genres. She loved to read, watch old movies (as well as some new), garden, and travel. Every summer the Blake family would take a 2-3 week driving vacation during which they would visit numerous beautiful and historic sites across the United States.

Marie loved the outdoors, and especially enjoyed trips to our National Parks. Even after her children were grown, she and Fred would take trips to National Parks and other beautiful areas, at times taking their granddaughter, Trisha with them.

Marie was also an animal lover. She would feed any strays she found, and along with her husband, Fred, became the unintentional caretaker of many feral cats over the years. She was always happy to babysit her “granddogs”, spoiling them with extra treats and attention.

Marie was a philanthropist, contributing to many charities including the Humane Society, the National Parks Foundation, the Alzheimer’s Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, the ASPCA, Heifer International, the American Cancer Society, and Guiding Eyes. She also supported local charities like the Battered Women’s Shelter, CAM and SAMMinistries.

Marie is survived by her husband, Fred, daughter Deborah Demers and husband John, son Roger Blake, daughter Melissa Pfeifer and her husband Robert, grandchildren Trisha Lord and husband Michael, Lauren Hierholzer, Ryan Hierholzer and wife Catherine, Shannon Fisher, Ryan Pfeifer, and great-grandchildren Ayla, Alex, and Anoura Lord and Jaydin Sailer.

Marie’s memorial service will be held at St. Andrew’s Church, 722 Robinhood Place, on Tuesday, January 9th at 2:00 pm. All who knew her are invited to join us in remembering and celebrating her life.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to:

Alzheimer’s Foundation Alzheimer's Association or National Parks Foundation. Link found down below.