SARATOGA SPRINGS — Gloria B. Blair died peacefully on Saturday, March 19, 2016 surrounded by the love of her family. She was 87.
Born in Philadelphia, PA on January 20, 1929 to Anna Heaton and Alexander Rudi Blechschmidt, Gloria attended Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls where she excelled in both scholastics as well as athletics. After graduation, Gloria attended West Chester State College. On May 28, 1949, she married Walter R Blair, a WWII veteran and college athlete at West Chester. After Walter’s graduation, they followed Walt’s teaching and coaching career and moved to Philadelphia, then Chambersburg, PA, and finally in 1955, they settled in Bloomsburg, PA where Walter taught and coached football and baseball at the college.
In 1966 the family relocated to West Chester, PA where Walter taught and coached at West Chester University. During that time, Gloria completed her college degree and graduated in 1975 Kappa Delta Pi (National Honor Fraternity) earning a Bachelor of Science Degree with a minor in art. Following her love of the arts, she volunteered as one of the first docents at the Brandywine River Museum and taught art at Chadd’s Ford Elementary School in Chadds Ford, PA. From 1989-1996 she served as the Executive Director of the Chester County Art Association, a not-for-profit association founded by the Brandywine River artist, NC Wyeth. Overseeing art classes, vetting art shows and helping local artists make their mark was where she hit her professional stride.
A few years after their retirements, Walter and Gloria moved to Saratoga Springs and their happy new home at Prestwick Chase. Gloria immediately became involved with the Editorial Board of THE CHASE, serving tirelessly for 10 years.
She leaves behind her beloved husband of 67 years, Walter R Blair, and five daughters, Debra Blair deBart of New York, NY, Donna Blair Adams of West Chester. PA, Justine Blair Carroll of Saratoga Springs, Janet Blair Franco of Saratoga Springs, and Allison L. Blair of Santa Fe, NM, as well as seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, three sons-in law and her sister Justine V. Deveney of Hatboro, PA.
Relatives and friends may call from 9 to 11 a.m. Friday, April 1, 2016 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway in Saratoga Springs. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. at St. Clement’s Church, 231 Lake Ave. in Saratoga Springs; burial will follow at 1 p.m. at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Duell Rd. in Schuylerville.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent in Gloria’s name to: The CHESTER COUNTY ART ASSOCIATION, 100 North Bradford Ave., West Chester, PA 19382 or online at www.chestercountyarts.org
Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com
