Teresita Blake

Teresita J. Blake passed away peacefully at her home in Freehold on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. She was born on April 7, 1925 in La Serena, Chile, the daughter of Rosa Squella and Hugo Jordan. She had four siblings: Ismael, Hugo, Ricardo and Rosa. She often told wonderful stories of her childhood growing up on San Vicente Ranch near Los Andes. Teresita was a graduate of Santiago College.

She met Peter James Blake (of Utica, New York) in Chile and in 1943 they were married. Soon after they came to the United States so that Peter could join the Navy during WWII. They were married for 60 years.

In addition to her parents, Teresita was predeceased by her husband, her four siblings, and her son-in-law John. Teresita leaves behind the beautiful family she was so proud to lead as matriarch. She is survived by her nine children and several of their spouses: Peter (Michele), Patrick (Lois), Paul (Linda), Teresita (John), William (Mary), Carmen, Angelica (Steve), Cristina (Jeff), and Elena (Doug). She was a loving and devoted grandmother to her 30 grandchildren: Jordan, Pete, Megan, John, Mark, Luke, Patrick, Erica, Caroline, Melissa, Jessica, Cristina, Timmy, Greg, Daniel, Teresa, Molly, Emily, Kyle, Alistair, Adrian, Spencer, Michele, Randall, Angelica, Chris, Geoffrey, Sarah, Laura, and Chrissy. Teresita was a wonderful great-grandmother to her 23 great grandchildren. She also treasured her role as aunt to her many nieces and nephews.

Teresita was an active member in the community. She loved to sing and was a cantor, a member of the choir, and the director of the Youth Folk Group at the Parish of Saint Mary for many years. While living in Colts Neck, she sang with The Colts Neck Singers, was a Girl Scout Leader, and worked for many years at the election polls. Most recently, Teresita volunteered as a translator at Providence Clinic in Neptune, a facility that offered free healthcare to members of the community who otherwise could not afford care. She touched many lives through her compassion, generosity, faith, kindness, and empathy.

Relatives and friends may call from 4PM to 7PM on Tuesday, February 3rd at Higgins Memorial Home, 20 Center St., Freehold. A Funeral Liturgy celebrating Teresita's life will be held at The Parish of Saint Mary in Colts Neck at 10AM on Wednesday, February 4th, followed by interment at Saint Rose of Lima Cemetery in Freehold.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Teresita's memory to Blood Cancer United (bloodcancerunited.org), formerly Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.