Carol J. Blake

    Blake, Carol J., 66, September 27, 2012.  Arrangements by Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, Portland.
    GORHAM – Carol J. Blake, 66, of Gorham, crossed over on September 27, 2012 at The Cedars Health Care Facility after a period of declining health. Carol was born August 16, 1946 in Houlton, the eldest daughter of the late S. Jennie (Welch) and J. Fredrick McCarthy.
    Carol found her niche in life at an early age as she helped with child care for some of the larger families in Houlton.
    After her graduation from UMPI in 1968 with a degree in education, she moved to Southern Maine to teach primary education in Westbrook. In 1971, she married Ricky Blake and together they raised their son, Bradley.
    The day Carol stopped teaching to be a full-time mother, a neighbor asked Carol to do a daycare for her two daughters. From that day forward, Carol enjoyed a family daycare in her home until her health would not allow her to continue.
    Carol enjoyed taking children to Disney World and seeing their little eyes get big with excitement. She enjoyed March vacations in Florida with her husband, watching the Red Sox during spring training. One of Carol’s favorite places was Nickerson Lake in Houlton where she would spend as much time as possible with friends and extended family.
    She enjoyed live theater, so she and Ricky would attend local productions as well as traveling to New York to see as many as  three plays in a weekend. Carol would also spend her time between performances enjoying shopping in the city.
    One of her passions was the gardens around her home, growing vegetables to can as well as the flowers and shrubs to enjoy and share with others. Carol also enjoyed her family holiday celebrations often held at her brother’s home in Rochester, NH.
    Carol is survived by her husband, Ricky of Gorham;  her son, Bradley, and his wife, Tina, of Portland; her brother, Wayne McCarthy of Rochester, NH and her sister, Susan Clilfford of Houlton. She will also be missed by several nieces and nephews.
    Carol was predeceased by a sister, Nadine, and a brother, Robert.
    The Blake family would like to thank all of the staff of The Cedars where Carol received excellent care for the last three years.
    Family and friends were invited to a time of visitation from 5-7 p.m. Monday, October 1, 2012 at Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St. Portland, ME where a memorial service was held at 3 p.m. Tuesday, October 2, 2012. Interment will be held privately for the family.
    In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital, c/o Maine Medical Center, 22 Bramhall St., Portland, ME 04102. Please visit www.jonesrichand hutchins.com to sign Carol’s guestbook and to offer condolences to the Blake family.