Frances M. Blake

BENNINGTON — Frances Mears Blake, 83, died Monday, Feb, 25, 2013, at her residence.

She was born in Bennington May 17, 1929, the daughter of Clyde and Florence (Ward) Mears.

She was a graduate of St. Joseph’s Business College.

On Jan. 3, 1949, she married Hiram Blake in Bennington.

Mrs. Blake worked at Bell Laundry and BenMont Paper Co. in earlier years and retired after 25 years at Union Carbide Corp.

She was an avid genealogist, able to trace her ancestry back to 1638. She also enjoyed traveling with the senior citizens group and, when younger, playing the steel guitar.

Survivors include her husband; two daughters, Marlene Restino of Bennington and Linda Bishop of Manchester; 11 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren; four siblings, Clyde of Pownal, Milo, Lois Weaver, both of Bennington, and Lila McCoy of Bare Foot Bay, Fla.; several nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be held at noon Friday, March 1, at the Mahar and Son Funeral Home in Bennington, where friends may call from 11 a.m. prior to the service officiated by Pastor Joel Tibbits.

Burial will follow in White Chapel Cemetery in Bennington.

Memorial contributions may be made to Bennington Rescue Squad or VNA and Hospice of SVHC, in care of Mahar and Son Funeral Home, 628 Main St., Bennington, VT 05201.

For guest book condolences, visit www.maharandsonfuneralhome.net.