Paula Jean Blake

EAST BARRE – Paula Jean Blake, 79, of Church Street passed away on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at Annapolitan Assisted Living in Annapolis, Maryland.

Born on March 11, 1945, in Proctor, VT, she was the daughter of Cornelius and Josephine (DeCicco) Frappier. She attended elementary school in Proctor and graduated from Proctor High School in 1963. On April 25, 1964, she married Floyd “Skip” Blake, Jr. in Proctor. Following their marriage, they made their home in East Barre and had two children, Craig and Chris Blake.  As an adult, she attended Community College of Vermont and received an associate’s degree.

Career and Community Involvement

Paula was a dedicated special education assistant at the Barre Town Elementary School for many years, where she touched the lives of countless children with her kindness and patience. Her colleagues and students alike admired her unwavering commitment to education and her compassionate nature.

She was an active member of the East Barre Congregational Church (now Christ Community Alliance Church) where she found joy in singing in Choir. Paula's faith was a cornerstone of her life, and she dedicated much of her time to her church and community. She participated in various church activities, Bible Study, organizing charity events and providing support to those in need.  She also participated in East Barre Home Dem.

Family and Personal Life

Paula had a circle of community friends who enjoyed her loyalty, warmth, and infectious laughter. She sought regular events where friends would come together to share stories, enjoy homemade meals, and create lasting memories.

In her free time, Paula enjoyed gardening, and spending time with her family. She had a passion for flowers and took great pride in the family vegetable garden, which was a source of relaxation and happiness for her. She also loved to bake, often sharing her delicious homemade goods with friends and neighbors.

Paula resided in assisted living and memory care since 2015 but continued to happily be at the center of the community.  She enjoyed bingo, crafting, making jewelry, and the weekly live entertainment booked by the facility.  The community at the Annapolitan loved her and cared for her beautifully, always considering her special needs.

Survivors include her husband Floyd Blake, Jr., her son and daughter-in-law Craig Blake and Heidi Hammel of Severna Park, MD, and her grandson Brendan Blake of Brooklyn, CT. Paula cherished her family and took great joy in being a mother and grandmother. She was a constant source of love and support for her family, always putting their needs above her own.

Memorial Service

The service to honor and celebrate her life will be held on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in the Christ Community Alliance Church, 2 Church Street, East Barre. Following the service, interment will take place in Wilson Cemetery in Lower Websterville. Friends and family are invited to gather and share their memories of Paula, celebrating the impact she had on their lives.  There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Christ Community Alliance Church or a charity of your choice in Paula's memory.