E. Catherine Blaser

1913 - 2008

E. Catherine Blaser of Greensboro, N.C., died Tuesday, September 2, 2008, at Wellspring Retirement Community. A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. on Thursday, September 4, 2008, at the Fellowship Presbyterian Church in Greensboro. Internment will be held a later date for Catherine and her late husband, Roy Blaser, at the Blacksburg Presbyterian Church in Blacksburg, Va. Catherine was born on September 30, 1913, in Twin Falls, Idaho. At an early age, her family moved to a small farm in Fullerton, Neb. She grew up in the horse and buggy age complete with dust storms, water pumped by a windmill and no electricity. Catherine graduated from the University of Nebraska during the Great Depression with a degree in home economics. Catherine met Roy her freshman year at the university and married him upon graduation. Their marriage lasted for almost 73 years, until Roy's death four months ago. Catherine's life was characterized by her deep faith in God and her love of family, community and church. She touched the lives of innumerable individuals and families through her kitchen. Whether she was feeding a new graduate student who chose to study at Virginia Tech from overseas, preparing a meal for high ranking government officials or taking a covered dish to a church dinner, family and friends will always remember Granny's kitchen and the foods prepared with such love and kindness. Other than her beloved recently deceased husband, Roy, her family includes son ,Dale and his wife, Virginia; sister, Genève McKay; grandson, Jeff and his wife, Becky; and their four children Brad, Adam, Eric and Anna; grandson, Greg; and numerous nieces and nephews located in Florida, Georgia, Nebraska, Colorado and Minnesota. The family will receive friends following the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes to honor Catherine through the donations recently given in Roy's memory to Fellowship Presbyterian Church, Blacksburg Presbyterian Church and the Greensboro Urban Ministry. Forbis & Dick Guilford Chapel is serving the family of Mrs. Blaser and condolences may be offered at www.forbisanddick.com.