Marian L. Blake

Marian L. Blake, age 88, of Cortland, died Friday, December 26, 2008, at Autumn Hills Care Center in Niles. She was born on October 2, 1920 in Lakewood, OH., the daughter of the late D. Clarence Blake and the late Calla (Kehl) Blake. Marian was a resident of Cortland for eighteen years coming from Rocky River, OH. and was a member of the Cortland Church of the Nazarene. Having been born legally blind, Marian attended a school for the blind during her jr. high school years and was able to develop the abilities that she needed to attend public high school where she excelled, graduating 3rd in her class. After high school, Marian received her teaching degree from Schauffler College and began her career as a teacher at the Lakewood Day Care. It was during this time that she developed a curriculum that would be used as the model for starting the Head Start program in Cleveland. She also became a published author of several children's books. After 12 years of teaching at the day care, Marian began teaching early childhood education at the Cleveland Community College for eight more years, retiring with 20 years in the educational field. She was a world traveler and enjoyed listening to music as well as books on tape. She is survived by her sister, Dorothy Forrest with whom she made her home in Cortland. Also surviving are three nephews, Jim (Alice) Forrest of Bristolville, David (Marcie) Forrest of Bristolville and Paul (Kristy) Forrest of Dayton and one niece, Marilyn (Barry) Pierce of Leroy Twp., OH. Marian was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Jeanne Hope. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM Tuesday, December 30, 2008 at the Cortland Church of the Nazarene. Funeral Services will be at 11:00 AM Tuesday at the church with the Rev. Gary Peck officiating. Interment will be at Lakewood Park Cemetery in Rocky River, OH. Arrangements are being handled by Shafer-Winans Funeral Chapel. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Cortland Church of the Nazarene, 293 East Main St., Cortland, OH. 44410.