Vera Ann Blake

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Vera Ann Blake of Barryville, New Brunswick, at the age of 60, on May 12, 2020, at Miramichi Regional Hospital. Vera 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 spent part of her childhood years in Aylmer where she fondly recalled her good education under such teachers as Bernice Sinden. She made her decision to follow Jesus through the influence of teachers at the Aylmer Missionary Church. 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. Many people in the Aylmer and Tillsonburg area will remember Vera as a vital part of the Barnabas Christian Camp ministry. She volunteered eagerly in whatever position she was needed: camp director, cabin leader or grounds crew.

In 1999, Vera had her first visit to Esgenoopetitj with the Barnabas Mission Team and continued as a vital member of its leadership until her passing. In 2011, feeling called by God to minister there, she moved to New Brunswick from Detroit, Michigan, where she worked in the I.T. department at Wayne State University, 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. The goal of her most recent position as Presbytery Educator was to encourage better understanding and working relations between the church and the First Nations of the Atlantic provinces. Her passion was sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and urging reconciliation toward God and among people. Donations in Vera’s memory may be made to Zion Presbyterian Church, New Jersey, New Brunswick, or to The Canadian Cancer Society. There will be a memorial service held for Vera Ann Blake when the Covid-19 restrictions are further lifted. Funeral arrangements are in the care of Northumberland Funeral Home, 102 Pleasant St, telephone (506) 622-7741.