Barbara Marie (Chamberlin) BLAKE

CHAMBERLIN, BLAKE, PACKARD

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 4/25/2016 at 17:34:28

September 6, 1919 --- March 17, 2016

Barbara Marie (Chamberlin) Blake was born September 6, 1919 in Belmond, Iowa and died March 17, 2016 at the age of 96 in Harlingen, Texas surrounded by loved ones. Barbara graduated from Belmond School in 1937, went to Iowa State and then obtained a teaching certificate from Drake University in 1942. She taught first grade for 3 years, then moved to Seattle with her mom in 1945. She met Philip Blake on a blind date. After dating for a year, in 1950 they eloped and settled in the Kirkland area. She worked in various administrative roles over the years. In 1952 their daughter, Kimberlee was born followed by son, Mark in 1953.

They were married for 52 years when Phil passed away in 2003, and that same year Barbara had a stroke. Sheer resolve and support from family allowed her to fully recover to live a full life in her own home. In 2006 Barbara reconnected with her high school sweetheart, John Packard who lives in Texas. They spent 10 happy years, corresponding and visiting each other.

Barbara was a delight to know. She laughed often and she was smart, funny, beautiful and humble. She loved to sing and her artistic flair was evident from her stunning gardens and well decorated home. She was an avid genealogist and loved to travel.

She was predeceased in death by her parents, Albert and Marie Chamberlin and brother Curtis. She will be missed tremendously by her daughter Kimberlee and her son, Mark and his wife Colleen, brother Clark and many nieces, nephews and friends. At her request, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or Alzheimer's Association.

The Seattle Times -- Seattle, Washington
April 24, 2016