Edith Blake

1922-2017

Norridgewock and Readfield, Maine

Edith Baird Blake, 94, died on July 2, 2017 at the Balsam House in Readfield, Maine where she had been living since January 30, 2014. Prior to that, Edith had been a resident of Norridgewock since she was four years old.

Edith was born August 5, 1922, the daughter of Carl and Ella Robinson Baird. She was educated in Norridgewock schools and graduated Salutatorian from Norridgewock High School, Class of 1939. She spent one year at Eastern Maine General training to become a nurse. In addition, Edith worked in the Norridgewock Town Office, first as a clerk under Mr. Bernal Allen, and then under Town Managers Arland Wing, Clement Mayo and Linwood Porter. From March, 1951 until May, 1954 Edith served as Town Manager, Road Commissioner, Tax Collector and Overseer of the Poor, as well as in the elected offices of Town Clerk and Town Treasurer. After her term with the town of Norridgewock, she worked at Norwock Shoe and for Mosher Insurance Agency.

Edith was one of the founders of the Mary Holland School for the mentally handicapped. She was instrumental in getting the Lorna Dill Center in Skowhegan to open its doors for handicapped children and adults. She volunteered for over thirty years two or more days a week at the thrift store in Skowhegan which supports the Dill Center.

Edith was predeceased by her husband Ralph Blake in 2003, her son Bruce Blake in 2014, her daughter-in-law Donna Quinn Blake in 2014, and a daughter Diane Blake in 2016.

Edith is survived by daughter Donna Blake Mickewich, son-in-law Thomas; brothers Clyde Baird, Maynard Baird and wife Ruth, Linwood Baird and wife Sara, and sister-in-law Beverly Baird Cauley; grandchildren Timothy Blake and wife Heidi, Janna Blake Mellon and husband Michael, and Melissa Mickewich Emerson and husband Ronald; and great grandchildren Jasper and Liam Blake, Haley, Hannah and Hayden Mellon, and Ryan Emerson. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

There will be no viewing hours. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, July 22, 2017 at 1:00 PM at the Sunset View Cemetery, Mercer Road (Route 2), Norridgewock. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Smart and Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Ave., Skowhegan.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make memorial donations to Maine Special Olympics, 125 John Roberts Road #19, South Portland, Maine 04106, or to Norridgewock Historical Society, P.O. Box 903, Norridgewock, Maine 04957.

The family wishes to thank the owners and staff at the Balsam House for the friendly, compassionate care they provided Edith.