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BORN
1952
DIED
2025
Mark Blier Obituary
March 28, 1952 - July 2, 2025
Mark Andre Blier, 73, of Sierra Vista, Arizona, passed away on July 2, 2025. Born in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, to George and Norma (Coppernoll) Blier, Mark faced life's challenges with remarkable courage and an infectious sense of humor that endeared him to all who knew him.
Though complications from premature birth affected his vision, Mark never let blindness define his limitations. He embraced life with determination and wit, often calling himself "Mark-in-the-Dark" and delighting in "raising cane" with his walking stick, always waiting with a mischievous grin for others to appreciate his clever wordplay.
After graduating from the prestigious Perkins School for the Blind, Mark carved out an independent life, working in film development and later pioneering the use of computer macros in medical transcription. His innovative spirit and technical aptitude impressed colleagues and family alike.
In 1978, Mark relocated to Miami, where he joined the Lions Club and Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired. There he met Arlys Mae Voorhees, whom he married on December 8, 1979. Their partnership was extraordinary Arlys lovingly called him "her seeing eye dog" as he confidently navigated them through the world together.
Mark's adventurous spirit knew no bounds. He ice skated competitively, skied downhill, played organ, rode bicycles, bowled, and even sang in the Perkins School choir at Helen Keller's funeral in 1968. His sister Gerianne fondly remembered his excitement in discovering he had Asperger's syndrome, which finally explained his unique way of understanding the world.
After moving to Sierra Vista in 2005 to care for his mother, Mark joined St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church and achieved 4th Degree status in the Knights of Columbus Bishop Salpointe Council #4584. His Wednesday breakfast outings with friends Steve Rietkerk and Steve Conroy at Café O Lé became cherished weekly traditions.
Mark is survived by his sister Gerianne Blier and sister-in-law C. Kratzer of Pennsylvania. Funeral services will be held at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church on July 30, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., with rosary at 10:15 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Vincent de Paul, Knights of Columbus, or the Lighthouse for the Blind in Miami.
"YEAH!!!" as Mark would enthusiastically say.
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Memories and Condolences
for Mark Blier
1 Entry
Gerianne Blier
July 29, 2025
My brother Mark was an incredible guy. Smart, witty, and rather funny, he often was the star of the show. Although he was three years my senior, I sometimes thought of him as my younger brother, only because he needed more assistance than others.
He taught me a lot about music and how to better enjoy it, determination when he seemed "stubborn", and imagination when we tried to explain those tough everyday things like color, clouds, and facial expressions. The concept of "seeing" to a guy who only ever saw black was impossible, but he dealt with it the best he could.
Mark "saw" his world with his fingers through the sense of touch, with his nose through the sense of smell, and through his ears with the keen sense of hearing. You could never sneak up on him, for he always knew you were there! And we tried!
My cousins and I have many stories where Mark was the star in the moment - the trips to the back of the Rumford, Maine, paper mill to hear the strange sounds the equipment made, the fun at the pond where the bull frogs kept everyone up at night, and the other trips to upstate New York where we laughed ourselves sick at Grandma (hint: one should never take sleeping pills and a shot of whiskey, be it every so small, in the same evening!).
Mark was the first to laugh. He was a star then - he is a star now. Rest in peace, Mark - and keep on laughing!
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