Judith Merritt-Blake

Pine Plains - Judith Merritt-Blake, a lifelong resident of Dutchess County, passed away on Tuesday, August 6, 2013 at St. Francis Hospital in Poughkeepsie, NY from complications relating to cancer.

Judi was born on Feb. 17, 1940, the daughter of Francis Theysohn and Helen Obrien.

Judi graduated from Poughkeepsie High School in 1957 and on January 15, 1961, she married Stanley "Mickey" Merritt. Their children, Stanley, Mike, Scott and Steven survive her. On Feb. 16, 1990 her husband Stanley passed away.

She graduated from Dutchess Community College in 1986 with an Associate's Degree in Accounting, the same year her son Stanley received his MBA from Marist College, and her son Michael received his Associate's degree from Dutchess Community College.

Judi put her degree to good use by working for Hansen and Arnold CPA's for over ten years.

On August 7, 1994, she married John Blake and added to her family his children, John, Steven, Karen and Robert.

Judi was a diehard Mets fan. She would cheer them on from her living room and her favorite Met was David Wright.

She enjoyed bowling and being on Stissing Lake in her paddle boat. She also took great joy in being with her grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband John, her brother John "Jack" Theysohn, Francis "Clint" Theysohn, a sister, Rose Eileen Smith; her children, Stanley Merritt and his wife Kimberly, Mike Merritt and his wife Laura, Scott Merritt and his wife Krista, and Steven Merritt and his wife Melissa; as well as John's children, John Blake, Steven Blake and his wife Lisa, Karen Friel and her husband Robert, and Robert Blake.

She was Nana or Grandma Judi to her grandchildren, the loves of her life, Bryan, Caitlin, Carter, Christopher, Jack, Libby, Matthew, Michael, Morgan, Nicholas, Ryan, Stanley, Stephanie and Steven. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 on Friday, August 9, 2013 at the Peck and Peck Funeral Home, 7749 S. Main St., Pine Plains.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 AM on Saturday, August 10, at St. Anthony's Church, 68 Poplar Ave., Pine Plains.

Interment will follow in St. Peter's Cemetery, Poughkeepsie.

Memorial contributions are requested to the American Cancer Society, 2678 South Rd. # 103, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Peck and Peck Funeral Home, 7749 S. Main St., Pine Plains, NY 12567.

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