RAVENA – Marion Bleezarde Roberts, 97, went to be with her Lord and Savior peacefully with her loving son by her side Friday, July 23, 2010. Marion was born November 16, 1912 in Ravena and lived most of her life in Ravena. After graduating from Oneonta State Teachers College she began her teaching career in a one-room schoolhouse in Cairo, NY. In 1974 she retired from the R-C-S School District as head teacher of the Ravena Elementary School. She was one of the area’s first members of the prestigious Delta Kappa Gamma teachers group.
Marion was a lifetime member of the Congregational Christian Church in Ravena where she served over the years in the Choir, Sunday school, taught a Bible Study group for many years and many additional activities of the Church. After serving as Deaconess of the church she was awarded the title of Deaconess Emeritus. She was a lifetime member of the Eastern Star, a member of the Ravena Coeymans Women’s Club, the Senior Projects of Ravena as well as the Ravena-Coeymans Historical Society. For many years Marion also taught piano to many of the local children and adults.
Marion is survived by her loving son Bruce and his wife Kathy Roberts of Ravena; and many nieces, nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Bradley Roberts, 5 brothers, Warren, Elmer, George, William and Robert Bleezarde and three sisters Mildred and Emma Bleezarde and Ruth Babcock.
Funeral services will be held 11 AM Tuesday, July 27th at the Congregational Christian Church, Ravena with Rev. Sandy Damhoff officiating. Burial will follow in Chestnut Lawn Cemetery, New Baltimore. Friends may call at the Babcock Funeral Home, Ravena on Monday from 4 to 7 PM.
Next to her family, Marion’s church and church family was a very important part of her life. Anyone who would like to make a donation in her memory may do so to the Congregational Christian Church, 175 Main St., Ravena, NY 12143.