Maxine U. Blake

Maxine U. BLAKE Services: Thursday, June 17, 2:30 p.m. Graveside services will be held in Greenlawn Memorial Park, 3700 River Blvd., Bakersfield, CA., for Maxine U. Blake, 99, who passed away June 14, 2004. Chaplain Gary Bashor will officiate. Ms. Blake was born on January 6, 1905, in Washington and resided there for 95 years. She was a graduate of the University of Washington where she was also a member of the Women's Club at the University. Maxine U. Blake served Alpha Delta Pi International Sorority as Grand President from 1948 to 1977. In this capacity, she was the chief executive officer for the oldest sorority in the world with a membership of about 100,000 women and collegiate chapters on more than 150 campuses throughout the United States and Canada. Upon her retirement, she was named Grand President Emeritus. Miss Blake's service to Alpha Delta Pi on the international level actually began shortly after her graduation from the University of Washington in the 1920's when she was named a Province President. She also served as the National Panhellenic Conference Delegate and a Grand Vice President of Collegiate Chapters before becoming Grand President. During her 28 years as President she led the sorority through many challenges and celebrations. She presided at the Centennial Convention in 1951 and the 125th Anniversary festivities held at the 1976 Leadership Conference. She worked toward establishing a Central Office and saw that dream realize when she dedicated Memorial Headquarters in Atlanta in 1955. She led during the turbulent 60's and 70's when anti-Greek sentiment ran high. When the existence of fraternities and sororities, as single-ex organizations, was threatened, she was appointed the NPC's Title IX Committee and worked to block the move. She authored Loyally III, a history of the sorority, that was published in 1985. At the 1999 convention, the name of the highest award a collegiate chapter can receive was renamed the Maxine Blake Golden Hall of Fame Award to honor her service and her 75 years of membership. Maxine is survived by her sister Inez Swidecki of Bakersfield; nephew Jamie and his wife Linda Swidecki of Bakersfield; nephew Gene Swidecki of Los Gatos; grandnieces Amy Lynn Swidecki and Carrie Swidecki; grandnephew Bryan Swidecki all of Bakersfield; great grandniece Miranda Swidecki and great grandnephew Brandon Swidecki both of Bakersfield and all of the loving sisters of Alpha Delta Phi sorority and special thanks to sister Chris Dickey. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Alpha Delta Pi Sorority 1396 Ponce de Leon Ave. N.E., Atlanta, GA. 30306, for the Maxine Blake Memorial Fund. Visitation begins today 4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. GREENLAWN MORTUARY, FUNERAL DIRECTORS