A memorial service will be held on September 7, 2013, at 3:00 P.M., at Sacred Heart Church.
Merilyn Morshead was born in San Francisco, the first child of John Stuart Morshead and Genevieve Spader.
She graduated from Anna Head School and the University of California School of Journalism Berkeley where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority and Theta Sigma Phi, the journalism honor society.
During World War II, she worked for the San Francisco Chronicle.
She married John H. Blake in 1945. After their marriage, she studied a fifth year at the University of Colorado, Boulder while her husband was on the staff of the College of Engineering.
While living in Boulder, Merilyn renewed her childhood interest in horseback riding. Upon returning to the family farm in Portola Valley, CA in 1964, she was active training and showing horses, In addition to helping children learn to ride, her interests included swimming, hiking, and her large family.
An avid reader and part-time journalist, she volunteered to edit the San Mateo County Horseman’s Association magazine. She also managed local horse shows and was a judge for many shows in Woodside and Portola Valley, all of which benefited charities devoted to children or animals.
After moving to Hollister, Merilyn earned her pilot’s license and owned and flew several airplanes.
She was a member of the 99’s, the International Association of Women Pilots. She was an active volunteer at the San Benito County Library and generously supported animal and women’s and children’s charities.
Merilyn is survived by her husband of 68 ears, John H. Blake, her children Merilyn Ferrara, Nancy (Donald) Tetrick, and John H. (Daisy) Blake, grandchildren Lisa (Jose Hernandez) Farella, Rebecca Lynn (Eric Wagner) Sparling, Jeremy (Christine) Sparling, Cathal Blake and Tagan (Natalie) Blake and four great-grandchildren.
“…it is a far, far better rest that I go to than I have ever known.”
Merilyn Morshead Blake March 21, 1923 – August 23, 2013
