Sharon Blake

VISITATION:

9:30 - 11:30 a.m., Friday, January 11 at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, 1300 Mansfield St., Chippewa Falls

SERVICE:

11:30 a.m., Friday, January 11 at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, 1300 Mansfield St., Chippewa Falls

Sharon Blake, age 64, of 6483 184th Street, Chippewa Falls, WI, died Tuesday, January 8, 2012,at her residence surrounded by loved ones. She had battled ovarian cancer for three and a half years.

Sharon was born on March 30, 1948, in Chippewa Falls, WI, to Robert and Doris (Bassette) Blake.

She attended Chippewa Falls schools graduating from high school in 1966. She then attended U-W Eau Claire graduating in 1971 with a double major: physical education and history.

Sharon went on to teach physical education at Chippewa Falls Senior High for 30 years. During her time at Chi Hi, she was the girls' head track coach for 19 years having several very successful seasons. She always said she was lucky to have so many talented athletes.

In the fall of 2011 she was inducted into Chi Hi's Athletic Hall of Fame. She felt this was a special honor and was pleased by the induction.

She was a lifelong member of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church of Chippewa Falls. She was both baptized and confirmed there. She sang in the choir and served on a variety of committees over the years.

Sharon enjoyed gardening (especially flowers), traveling, cooking for family get-togethers, breakfast at the Bake and Brew, and Roxie her faithful dog.

She is survived by her mother, her sister Mary, and her brother Tom (Mei) all of Chippewa Falls. She is also survived by four nieces: Amy (Neil) Jarosz (Jared and Sam); Katie Therou (Kristen and Elaina); Renee (Lucas) Martell all of Chippewa Falls; Melissa Blake of Orfordville, WI, one nephew Nicholas Blake of Chippewa Falls; and three cousins. She is further survived by her dear friend, companion, and caregiver, Emily Quisling.

Sharon was very close to Emily's children and grandchildren, some of whom called her Grandma. This made her feel special! The family would like to thank Libby, Emily's daughter, for all the time spent away from her own family to help Sharon, especially during this final battle.

Sharon was preceded in death by her father and her maternal and paternal grandparents.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 11 at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church 1300 Mansfield Street, Chippewa Falls beginning at 9:30 a.m. until the funeral service at 11:30 a.m. Lunch will be served at the church following interment at Forest Hill Cemetery.

Sharon wanted to thank everyone at the Regional Cancer Center in Eau Claire. She really wanted them to know how much she appreciated their kindness, expertise, humor, and respect shown to both her and Emily over the last three and half years. They made a very unpleasant experience so much more tolerable. The loving and thoughtful support of Dr. Tana was ever present.

St Joseph's Hospice was also very helpful and always "there" when needed. The kindness and sensitive advice were appreciated. The family would especially like to thank Cindy for her support, warmth, and care.

Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph's Hospice, the Chippewa Falls Salvation Army Food Pantry, or to Our Saviour's Lutheran Church.

AFTERSERVICE:

A funeral service for Sharon A. Blake, 64, of Chippewa Falls, town of Lafayette, was held at 11:30 a.m., Friday, January 11 at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, Chippewa Falls. The Rev. Paul Oppedahl officiated and music was provided by organist, Judy Brist and vocalist, Doug Parker.

Interment was in Forest Hill Cemetery Chippewa Falls. Casket bearers were Rodney Cooke, Barb McDermid, Dan McCreary, Matt Quisling, Dean Makemson and Jim Walrath.