Berkeleyan

Obituary
Kathleen Blake

03 June 2005

Kate Blake

Kathleen E. Blake, longtime student-affairs officer with the Energy and Resources Group, lost her battle with cancer on May 23 at the age of 61.

Kate joined ERG as a graduate assistant in 1981 after brief clerical appointments in the Sponsored Projects Office and Graduate School of Public Policy. She retired in April 2003 to begin cancer treatment and spend time with her husband.

Loved and appreciated for more than two decades by graduate students who knew that, no matter how bad things seemed, Kate would always find a way to help, she is remembered by colleagues for her quick wit, wisdom, and loyalty to her friends and family. "This is such a huge loss for so many people," lamented her former supervisor, Donna Bridges. Co-worker Sandra Dovali said, "She was one in a million."

Kate was an avid traveler but was happiest in New Orleans, where she visited frequently. She also had an eclectic collection of dolls, many of which adorn the walls and countertops of her home in Alameda.

A memorial service was held May 28 at the Duggans Serra Mortuary in Daly City. Kate was predeceased by her son, Adam, and is survived by her husband, Tom, daughter, Sarah, and a grandchild.