Grace Anne Blake

Grace Blake was born on September 24, 1953, in Tuxedo Park, New York as the youngest of four siblings, to her father, Albert Ralph DePaolis, and her mother, Florence Marie Manso. From an early age, Grace learned to laugh often and with ease, her smile and laughter filling the house and drawing others in. As a child, Grace was curious and affectionate, and loved her big sisters, always following them around. Grace's playful spirit, warm heart, and ability to find joy in small moments became hallmarks of who she was and how she moved through the world.

Grace earned her Associate of Science degree from Broward University and soon moved to Texas, eager to follow where God would lead next. Grace returned to her hometown of Ft. Lauderdale and met a handsome banker, Tom Blake, in her church singles group. Grace and Tom quickly realized they were meant for each other and married in their home church surrounded by family and friends.

In 1992, Grace and Tom moved to Tampa to lead Executive Ministries with Campus Crusade for Christ, devoting themselves to the city's spiritual life for more than 19 years through outreach events, Bible studies, and gatherings that pointed people to the hope and forgiveness found in Jesus.

Grace also poured her heart into children through Safety Bears 4 Kids, where she was the creator and founder of a ministry that placed homemade bears into the arms of abused and neglected children. More than 11,000 bears have been given to children, each one offered with a prayer that they would feel the comforting, tender love of Jesus.

Grace was preceded in death by her husband, Tom Blake, father Albert Ralph DePaolis, mother Florence Marie Manso, brother Anthony Joseph DePaolis and sister Diane Parker. Grace is survived by sister Carole Beck. She adored her many nephews, nieces, and great-grandnephews and great-grandnieces, who were like her own children. Grace also leaves behind her beloved dog Charlie girl.

Grace's legacy lives on in the friendships she made through Executive Ministries, Celebrate Recovery, Smith & Associates, South Tampa Fellowship, Avila Bible Study, Friday morning Bible study, Parkside neighbors, 100 Women Who Care South Tampa, and many other cherished communities. Grace was known for praying on the spot with anyone —whether in a grocery store aisle, a church hallway, or over the phone.

Grace's life beautifully reflects the words of Scripture: "Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another." (1 John 4:11) Grace loved deeply, encouraged generously, and welcomed others into a friendship that pointed them to Jesus.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, January 16 at 11AM at South Tampa Fellowship Ballast Point, 5101 Bayshore Blvd.

Following the service, you are invited to join the family for a lunch reception where stories, laughter, and cherished memories of Grace will be shared.

In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to carry on Grace's legacy of love for children at Safety Bears 4 Kids. https://5safetybears4kids.com