Marian (Smetanka) Blake

Blake (Smetanka) Beloved mother Marian, 102, died at home in Burnsville June 9. She was a grand lady who ran a fish-and-chip shop for 40 years and wore slacks just once in three centuries. She loved a good cup of tea, gardens, knitting and embroidery and walked the dog daily until she was 95 years old. Twice widowed, she left England at age 80 to join her daughters in Minnesota. Survivors include daughters Freda Gubbins of St. Paul, Jean Clark of Deer River, Doreen (Josef) Smetanka of Burnsville, son Ivan (Sylvia) Beeby of Peterborough, England, stepson Geoffrey (Mary) Blake of Peterborough, sisters, Kate Armstrong of England, Emmy Syrett of Canada, and Ethel French of England; five grandchildren and six-great grandchildren. A celebration of Marian's life will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at River Hills United Methodist Church, 11100 River Hills Dr., Burnsville. Private interment. Memorials to donor's choice. We will miss you, my duck!

Published on June 11, 2002