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Jessica Kathleen Blake
September 30, 1975 - March 22, 2018
Service Date March 4, 2018
A Memorial Service will be held 2:00 p.m., Sunday March 4, 2018 at Peace United Church Of Christ, 1111 N 11th Ave E, Duluth, Visitation at 1:00 p.m., Rev. Kathryn Nelson officiating.
Jessica Kathleen Blake, 42, died Thursday, February 22, 2018 at her home in Duluth surrounded by her family. With her energy and creativity, Jessica was the perfect teacher for Esko middle school and high school students. Jessica did things with gusto, whether climbing onto her desk to help inspire her students to learn the song “Fifty Nifty United States” or wilderness camping trips with her dog Zoe. She put her whole being into everything she did. Her love of dance was also evident in everything she did, including incorporating dance into classroom lessons. The testaments we’ve received from students and parents are a true measure of the impact Jessica and all teachers have on the lives of students. Jessica loved and found value in every one of her students. No one ever rose above the level of “little stinker.” She did not give up on any kid, ever!
She loved the natural world and traveling with family and friends. During respites from her illness she continued to travel and was able to return to teaching for a short while, proclaiming that her students gave her purpose and energy.
She was loved for her beautiful smile and infectious laugh. If it’s true that life is all about love, then Jessica has truly lived well, judging by all those who’ve supported her through 3 ½ years of living and struggling with the effects of a brain tumor.
She was born September 30, 1975 to Richard and Kathleen (O’Halloran) Blake in St. Paul, Minnesota. Jessica grew up and graduated from Grand Rapids High School in 1994. She received her Education Degree from UMD, and later received a Master’s Degree.
Jessica was preceded in death by; her maternal and paternal grandparents, Dorothy and Jerry O’Halloran, Bob and Tish Blake; maternal uncles, Tom and Mike O’Halloran; and her little brother and best friend Michael.
She is survived by; parents Rick and Kathleen Blake; brother Sholom (Becky Quincer) Blake, Aaron (Chrissie) Blake, former sister-in-law Jenny Erickson; nieces Sadie and Justine; nephews Reid, Ben, Caleb; extended family and legions of friends.
A Memorial Service will be held 2:00 p.m., Sunday March 4, 2018 at Peace United Church Of Christ, 1111 N 11th Ave E, Duluth, Visitation at 1:00 p.m., Rev. Kathryn Nelson officiating.
A small gathering of family and friends will be held at Jessica’s home Saturday evening.