Doris Blake

SUMMIT, NY – Doris M. Blake, 90, of Summit NY went to be with her Lord on Monday, October 7, 2019. She was born in Oceanside, Long Island to Daniel Brown and Ruby (Criddle) Brown on April 1, 1929.  Doris graduated from Oceanside High School in 1946, and was granted an Artist Diploma from New York College of Music in 1953.  She made her piano debut at the Carnegie Recital Hall in New York City in 1954. Doris went on to study for many years under Felice Takakjian Bedrossian, a noted concert pianist, lecturer and teacher. She received her certificate in Piano Pedagogy from Molloy College College on Long Island in 1979.  Doris taught piano on Long Island for 25 years and gave recitals and guest performances for many organizations including Town Hall in New York City, radio station WFUV-FM, NYC and Molloy College.  For 15 years she was the sole accompanist for the Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company of Long Island, a popular touring theater group that performed frequently in the Metropolitan New York and Long Island areas.

Upon moving to Summit in 1980 with her husband Donald, Doris quickly was recognized not only for her piano teaching but also as a professional accompanist and, when called on, vocal coach.  She was one of the original founders of the Friends of Music in Stamford, and performed with the Schoharie County Arts Council and the Cobleskill Chamber Singers.  Doris is also remembered for having organized and taught music curriculums at two Christian day schools in Schoharie County, and adult group piano instruction classes on Long Island and SUNY Cobleskill.  For many of her years here, Doris was music director, choir director, and accompanist at several churches in Cobleskill and the surrounding area.  But of all this, she is best and fondly remembered by hundreds of the students, young and adult, that she introduced to the world of good music over her more than 50 years of music education.  Many of those students today are grateful for her gentle but firm insistence on correctness in learning and playing the piano as well as performing from memory before audiences.  She was proud to have helped in shaping of many lives as her students progressed from childhood to mature young adults and musicians, many now with professional careers and families of their own.

Doris was married to Donald in 1978, having met while both were members of the Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company on Long Island.  Donald died in February 2009.  She is survived by sons Edward Smith (Martie) of Diamond Point, NY, and John Smith (Pamela) of Baldwin, NY; her daughter Jean Linehan (Matt) of So. Glens Falls, NY; and by 23 grand and great grandchildren.

In accordance with Doris’ instructions an anatomical gift was made to medical education and research and therefore will be no calling hours or interment services.  A memorial service will be held at the Christian Community Church of Faith, 355 State Route 7, Richmondville, at 2 pm on Sunday, October 20th, followed by a covered dish reception.  Doris further requested donations be made to the the area hospice, at Helios Care, 297 River St. Service Rd., Oneonta, New York 13820.  To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com .