Jeannette H. Blake

Jeannette Blake was born on February 13, 1921 to Russell and Eva (Spriggel) Happoldt in Munroe Falls, Ohio. She died on January 11, 2016, after a short illness.

Jeannette grew up in Firestone Park and graduated from Garfield High School with the Class of 1938. She graduated from Kent State University in 1943. After college, she worked for the War Manpower Commission during World War II, where she met Bruce Blake. Their marriage in 1946 lasted until Bruce's death in 2005.

In 1961 Jeannette began teaching second grade at Harris School, where she taught for 22 years.

Jeannette was an active member of Saint Paul's Episcopal Church. In retirement, she volunteered for the International Institute and the Summit Metro Parks.

Jeannette was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband of 59 years, Bruce Blake; her sister, Donna (Happoldt) Vierheller; niece, Merilou Vierheller; and an infant daughter.

She is survived by her children, Russell Blake (Barbara McGowan) and Betsy Blake Bennett (Gary); her grandchildren, Matthew Blake, Molly Blake, Emily Bennett (Benjamin Waller), and Andrew Bennett; and a great-grandson, James Bennett Waller. She is also survived by sister, Mary Lou Farbeann; two nieces, Sally Farbeann and Jackie Farbeann; and her dear friends, the Olaf Nielsen family.

Special thanks to the staff and caregivers at the Village at St. Edward, where she lived for the last fifteen years.

A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, February 5, in the Chapel of Saint Paul's Episcopal Church, 1361 W. Market St., Akron. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the church or to the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank. To share a Memory, Send a Condolence, Light a Candle or Send Flowers, visit the Tribute Wall at www.billowfuneralhomes.com (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)