Leigh D. Blake

LEIGH D. BLAKE (Abbott), 56, died Sunday, January 9, 2005, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born November 29, 1948, in Montclair, NJ. Leigh resided in the Houston area since 1997. Graduated from East Orange Catholic High School and Newark State College for Teachers, (presently Kean University) in NJ with a BA in teaching, Leigh enjoyed a successful career in retail, most recently as a Regional Manager with Cole Vision. Leigh also volunteered with Wings, a bereavement support program for children, teens and families. A special person and a great friend to those who were fortunate enough to know her, she will be missed for her kindness, sense of humor and compassion for others. Predeceased by her loving husband, Raymond F. Blake and her beloved father, Captain James T. Abbott, USMM, she is survived by her devoted mother, Patricia Abbott of Lavallette, NJ, her siblings, Patricia Abbott-Bozzo of Maplewood, NJ; Alison Galizia of Bradenton, FL, Elaine Abbott of Brick, NJ, James P. Abbott of Whippany, NJ, Susanne McNeill of Mount Tabor, NJ; 14 nieces and nephews, one great niece and one great nephew. The family will receive friends on Wednesday afternoon, January 12, 2005, 2:00-4:00 p.m. and that evening from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at Metcalf Funeral Home, Conroe, TX.. Friends are invited to join the family the following morning, Thursday, January 13, 2005, at 10:00 a.m., for a Funeral Mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Conroe. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions , honoring Leigh, be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 570127, Houston, Texas 77257-0127.