Marilyn L. Blake

BLAKE, MARILYN L., Renowned Actress, Author and Civic Leader dies. Marilyn Luntz Blake, age 83, daughter of Vera Luntz Burstein and Charles Thurston Luntz of Canton, Ohio passed away while surrounded by her loving family at the home she shared with her son, Matthew, while embraced by her loving family on March 8. Born in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, she attended Bennington College and moved from Canton, Ohio to Orlando in 1954. She appeared in the 1980 edition of Personalities of America and the 1982 edition of Who's Who in the South and Southwest. Mrs. Blake was a founder of the Edyth Bush Civic Theatre and appeared on its stage for many years. Her professional career began in 1942 where she was Director of Women's Activities at Radio Station WHBC in Canton, Ohio. She appeared on national television in New York City on the original Robert Montgomery show, Hallmark Hall of Fame and Martin Kane, P.I. program. Before moving to Orlando, Mrs. Blake played Annie Oakley in "Annie Get Your Gun at the Canton, Ohio Players Guild. Since 1954, she has been extremely active in Orlando Theatres, beginning at the original Civic Theatre on Montana Avenue. Among her most memorable performances was the part of Annie Sullivan in "The Miracle Worker" at the Orange Blossom Playhouse; leads in "The Royal Family", "Follies" and "Mame" at Edyth Bush Civic Theatre and "No No Nanette" at Once Upon A Stage (presently Mark II Theatre). Mrs. Blake was a member of the Repertory Group at Theatre in Park, and will best be remembered as the Grandmother in "Pippin". In 1963, she was awarded first prize as "Best Actress Award" at the Civic Theatre. In recent years she was the drummer with the Waterman Village Handbell Choir. Mrs. Blake had been a member of the Florida Free Lance Writers Association since 1969. She was the author of over three dozen documentary films for the Orange County Board of Education and Florida Board of Education, including "Media In Action" which, in 1974, was placed in the library of Congress and is still being used for teaching at many universities. She received a Cindy Award, which is comparable to the Oscar of non-theatrical motion pictures, in 1970 for her film: "Gateway To Tomorrow". Mrs. Blake had been extremely active in Quota International, a service club for executive business and professional women whose unified service is to the hearing impaired and speech handicapped. After serving as President of the Quota Club of Orlando and Governor of the State of Florida, she served as president of Quota, International, whose 15,000 members extend to ten countries, including the United States, Australia, Canada, Fiji and Sri Lanka. During her tenure, she served on President Reagan's Task Force on Private Sector Initiative. She was a Life Member of Quota International and a member of the President's Circle of Quota World Headquarters in Washington, D.C. In Orlando, Mrs. Blake served on the Board of Directors of the American Diabetes Association, American Cancer Society and the Easter Seal Society. Mrs. Blake was Executive Vice President of the family business, United Solvents of America, Inc. until 1985. She was the recipient of an award from The National Paint and Coatings Association for her innovative painting of three dimensional rugs on bare floor and her contribution to the paint industry. Mrs. Blake was a lifetime member of the Citrus Club in Orlando. Her survivors include four sons, Russell, Geoffrey, Christopher and Matthew; brother, James Luntz of Canton, Ohio; 13 grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Dudley, son, Charles and sister, Constance L. Miller. A memorial service will be held at Lake Receptions in Mt. Dora on Monday, March 13, 2006 at 11AM. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Lake/Sumter Hospice. BALDWIN-FAIRCHILD FUNERAL HOME, OAKLAWN CHAPEL, 5000 County Rd. 46A, Sanford, 407-322-4263. Please sign the guest book at: www.baldwinfairchildchild.com

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