BAR HARBOR – Margaret Stebbins Blake, 77, went to heaven Wednesday, March 13, 2013, from her home, after a courageous six-year battle with ovarian cancer. She was born Oct. 23, 1935, in Schenectady, N.Y., the daughter of Frederick and Thora (Lund) Stebbins.
Margaret graduated from Nott Terrace High School, Schenectady, N.Y., and while attending SUNY Albany, met the love of her life, Bruce, on a blind date. After graduation they married and moved to Media, Pa., where they began building a family. She taught science for many years before becoming active with Delaware Valley Christian Church, then later West Chester Christian Church, singing in the choir and serving as church secretary. She had a smile for everyone and loved serving God and volunteering with numerous organizations, including Girl Scouts and Helicopter Museum. After visiting Mount Desert Island, Margaret and Bruce fell in love with the area and decided to retire to Bar Harbor, where they became actively involved with the community, Island Connections and Bar Harbor Congregational Church. She also rekindled her love of playing trombone with Bar Harbor Town Band. Caring for the wildlife was yet another passion of hers. Most of all, Margaret was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother and very, very proud of her children and grandchildren. Mom’s positive cheerful attitude during her cancer fight was an inspiration to all. The family truly appreciates all the love and support from friends and Mary Dow Cancer Center during the journey.
Margaret is lovingly remembered by her devoted husband of 55 years, Bruce; four children, Carolyn Blake and partner, Carolyn Campbell, of Trenton, William and Valerie Blake of Xenia, Ohio, Nancy Blake of Windham and Jennifer and Norman LaFleur of Stratham, N.H.; three grandchildren, Andrew and Emily Blake and Lauren LaFleur; brothers, Frederick Stebbins of West Melbourne, Fla., Roland and Sally Stebbins of Marietta, Ga., and William Stebbins of Aston, Pa.; sister, Marian and David Wells of Ellsworth; eight nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 20, at Bar Harbor Congregational Church. Contributions in Margaret’s memory may be made to Bar Harbor Congregational Church, 29 Mount Desert St., Bar Harbor, ME 04609 or Mary Dow Center, 50 Union St., Ellsworth, ME 04605. Arrangements by Jordan-Fernald, 1139 Main St., Mount Desert. Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.
Margaret Stebbins Blake
