Mariea E. Blake

Mariea Blake was born May 14, 1945 in Pocatello, Idaho. She died September 28, 2010 as a result of complications associated with a fall. Mariea spent her childhood in Ontario, Oregon and Payette, Idaho before graduating from Borah High School in Boise in 1963. She went on to attend Boise State University and received her undergraduate3 degree in education in 1968. Upon finishing college Mariea moved to Alaska. After living in Anchorage for a short while Mariea moved to Cordova Where she met and married Stanley Shafer. For 15 years Stan and Mariea lived in Cordova raising their two children Scott and Melanie. During that time Mariea was an elementary and junior high school teacher, and a drill team coach. In 1986 two years after Stan passed away from cancer Mariea moved to Montana. In 1990 Mariea met David Blake on a summer trip back to Alaska. Later that year Dave and Mariea were married. After 18 years of Marriage Dave passed away from cancer in 2007. Upon moving to Montana Mariea took a short break from teaching before embarking upon a 19 year career with the Ronan School District. During that time Mariea continued her commitment to education earning her Master's Degree in Education with a focus on multi-cultural education in 1995. Throughout Mariea's teaching career she taught to various age groups, ranging from second graders to adults pursuing post high school degrees, in addition to writing student lessons and teacher guides focused on Native American Studies. Prior to retiring in 2009 Mariea spent fifteen years teaching at Pablo Elementary School, most of which was spent with second graders. As a teacher Mariea earned the respect and admiration of her co-workers and most importantly her students. She was extremely devoted to the children who walker through her classroom door, and she tirelessly worked to find ways to make each student feel special, loved and worthy. As a grandmother to her four grandsons and one granddaughter Mariea was a continuous source of love. One of her favorite things to do for her grandchildren was sew: whether it was a much-loved blanket or a Halloween costume no request by her grandchildren was ever denied. All it takes is one quick glance around Mariea's house full of photo and children's artwork and you can see how treasured her grandchildren were. As a mother Mariea was everything two children could ask for. Her love always came free of ties or conditions, and no matter what the situation, she was there to care for us without hesitation or judgment. It is impossible to put into words how much her homemade greeting cards, corny jokes or stories will be missed, or how very much we wish she could continue to see our children grown up. In addition to Mariea's devotion to her students and family was her involvement with the community. Mariea was a volunteer at the Bread Basket in Ronan, a member of the bowling team, and a quilting guild, and was actively involved with St. Andrew Episcopal Church in Polson. Amazingly Mariea still found some spare time, during which she loved to travel, golf and spend 'girl' time with her much-loved friends. Her brothers John West and Mike Gerdau, her son Scott Shafer and his wife Randee and their children Allison, Soren and Jensen, her daughter Melanie and her husband Matt and children Terren and Skyler, in addition to many extended family members and dear friends, survive Mariea. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday October 6, 2010 at 10:00 am in St Andrew Episcopal Church in Polson. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to a fund to benefit the students at Pablo Elementary School. An account has been sent up a the 1st Citizen Bank in Polson, Montana, 213 1st Street West, Polson, Montana 59860-(406) 883-4358. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. Arrangments and services under the care of Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory of Polson.
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