Vera Blake

Funeral Location:St Matthew's Presbyterian Church, Bartibog

Resting Location:Zion Presbyterian Church, New Jersey

Wishes:Donations in Vera’s memory may be made to Zion Presbyterian Church, New Jersey, New Brunswick, or to The Canadian Cancer Society

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Vera Ann Blake of Barryville at the age of 60, on May 12, 2020, at Miramichi Regional Hospital.

She is survived by her sisters Linnea Sundstrom, Sandy Blake Youskow, brother Richard Blake, her two nieces Samantha Racicot (Michael) and Cheyenne Youskow (Brandon) and her grand-niece Sara Racicot.

Vera was predeceased by her mother Joanne Peters, her father Donald Sundstrom and her stepfather John Blake.

Vera was known for her love of family and hanging out with "her" kids as she would call them. She was always a big kid herself and she always enjoyed teaching them new things or just spending time with them. Vera received a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, USA, and a Master of Theological Studies from Michigan Theological Seminary. She specialized in and lectured in Biblical Languages.
In 1999, Vera had her first visit to Esgenoopetitj with the Barnabas Mission Team. Feeling called by God to minister there, she moved to New Brunswick from Detroit, Michigan, and settled in Barryville, near the First Nations community which she loved so well. She was employed at the Esgenoopetitj First Nations School as a substitute teacher and was also involved with the school library and doing technical work as needed.

Vera became a member of Zion Presbyterian Church in New Jersey, New Brunswick, and was President of the Miramichi Presbyterial of the Atlantic Mission Society as well as a leader of the Presbyterian Atlantic Youth Synod group at St. Luke’s, Bathurst. She attended many regional PAYS events. Vera did pulpit supply when needed in several Presbyterian congregations in the north and east areas of New Brunswick. Her passion was sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and urging reconciliation toward God and among people.

Visitation will be held at Zion Presbyterian Church in New Jersey, on Friday, October 16, 2020 from 3 to 5 pm and 6 to 8 pm. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2020, at 2 pm, from St Matthew's Presbyterian Church, in Bartibog, with Rev. Alexander Sutherland, Rev. Gillis Smith, and Rev. Philip Penny officiating. Please note masks are required, and social distancing restrictions must be observed.

Donations in Vera’s memory may be made to Zion Presbyterian Church, New Jersey, New Brunswick, or to The Canadian Cancer Society.

Funeral arrangements are in the care of Northumberland Funeral Home, 102 Pleasant St, telephone (506) 622-7741