Eleanor Phyllis Blake

Eleanor Phyllis Blake, age 97, passed away on April 27, 2025, in Keene, NH after a period of declining health. She was born at her grandmother's house in Marlborough, NH on December 7, 1927, to Philip and Beatrice (Everard) Pregent. Eleanor was raised in Keene and attended Keene High School where she was an accomplished pianist and member of the KHS A Cappella Choir. Upon graduation, she began her first job as an administrative secretary at KHS. In 1947, she married Thomas Blake and began raising her family. When her fourth child entered kindergarten, she returned to the school system working at both Lincoln and Franklin schools for over twenty years. After the death of Tom in 2000, Eleanor was proud of the independence she exhibited while dealing with physical limitations. That spirit continued to guide her right up through recent challenges. Eleanor's greatest joy in life was her family, especially following the achievements of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a member of the Historical Society of Cheshire County and the Keene Paraprofessionals Association. Eleanor loved lilacs, trips to historic sites, visiting museums, Ogunquit's Marginal Way, and an occasional fried seafood dinner. She was an avid reader and compiled an in-depth collection of family genealogy over many years of research. In addition to her husband and many life-long friends, Eleanor was pre-deceased by her childhood sister Geraldine, her brother and former Keene mayor Dale Pregent, and her son-in-law Robert Cook. She is survived by her daughter Susan Cook and her partner Rick of State College, PA, her son Eugene and his wife Linda of Methuen, MA, her son David and his wife Patty of Francestown, NH, her daughter Kathryn and her partner Heather of Altoona, PA, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. A funeral service and burial with committal prayers in the Woodland Cemetery, Keene, will be held privately by the family. A celebration of Eleanor's life will be held for family and friends at a date and time to be announced. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her memory to the Keene Public Library,60 Winter Street, Keene, NH 03431; or to the Historical Society of Cheshire County, PO Box 803, Keene, NH 03431.