Elisabeth Ann Blake 1933 – 2024

Written by Estero Bay News

January 19, 2025

Elisabeth Ann Blake was born May 26, 1933, in Gardena, California, to Arthur and Gara Williams Brown. She passed away peacefully at her Los Osos home on December 6, 2024, at the age of 91.

Growing up in Southern California with her two older sisters, Marjorie (Margie) and Gara, Liz fondly recalled playing in the family’s pepper tree. Liz graduated from Gardena High School and then the University of Redlands where she received a degree in education. Soon after graduating, she married Barrie Blake and the couple moved to Montebello where Liz taught third grade while Barrie was in the service. They lived in Lindsay, Fresno, Berkeley, Salinas, and Reedley. 

Liz and Barrie had two children — Brad was born in 1959 in Lindsay. In 1964 while in Fresno, they adopted 2-month-old Barbara. Unfortunately, Barbara passed away in 2007. 

The couple divorced in 1978.

Liz taught third, fourth, and fifth grades over many years. After receiving her Special Education Certificate, she went on to teach at Reedley High School.

Liz met Lee Nelson in 1982 and married in 1987, making their first home together in Fresno. They cherished their time in the mountains, particularly at Far Horizons, where Liz served on the board for many years. In the early 90s they bought a home in the Daisy Hill Mobile Home Park and spent a short time fixing it up with plans to move in. Unfortunately, Lee died before they could move but Liz moved to Los Osos on her own where she lived out the rest of her life.

Soon after moving to Daisy Hill, she met Dorothy Rooney and they immediately became close friends and travelling companions. Liz and Dorothy traveled extensively both domestically and internationally including Australia, New Zealand, Palau, Tahiti, Kenya, Zimbabwe, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Canada.

In 2010, Liz and Dorothy filed for a domestic partnership and in 2014, they were married. 

In addition to their shared passion for travel, they were avid birders, actively participating in the Morro Bay Bird Festival and the Morro Coast Audubon Society.

Liz always had music in her life. She took piano lessons and sang in high school, college, and church choirs. Liz also played the recorder and enjoyed taking dulcimer lessons from Kay Bolin.

Dorothy passed away in 2022. 

Liz’s kind and open spirit drew many friends, and her home was always filled with love and laughter. She especially cherished time with her family, particularly her grandchildren, many of whom spent their summer breaks with her.

In her final year, a remarkable team of caregivers allowed Liz to remain at home surrounded by those who loved her. The family is deeply grateful for their loving care and support, and would like to thank Megan, Alison, Lori, Mary, Maureen, Sirena, Tristan, Zara, and all those at Central Coast Home Health and Hospice. 

Liz is preceded in death by her ex-husband Barrie, husband Lee, wife Dorothy, sisters Marjorie and Gara, and daughter Barbara. 

She is survived by her son, Brad (JoLynne) Blake, son-in-law, Randall Costa; grandchildren, Christan Luna, Sara Blake, Stephen (Desiree) Luna, Zachary Blake, Thomas Costa, and Elizabeth Costa; great-grandson, Braeden Flores, and many nieces and nephews.

She will be deeply missed and in our hearts forever.

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