Deborah J. Blake

Deborah Joan (Zirkelbach) Blake, age 71, of Evansville - peacefully passed away Monday, September 13th at home, surrounded by her family. Deborah was born April 4, 1950 in Evansville to the late Elmer and Lucille (Drone) Zirkelbach. She attended Sacred Heart Grade School, graduated from Mater Dei H.S. and earned her B.A. & Masters degrees in education from USI. In 1974, she married the love of her life, Joe Blake. From there, she wore an array of hats; She taught at St. Joe (in the County) for many years, helped out at Evansville Auction, had an antique business with her sisters, worked for the Vanderburgh Co. Sheriff’s Dept. and Courthouse and often cared for the sick and elderly. Debbie loved to give her time to those in need. Along with many other causes, she volunteered at St. Vincent De Paul and St. Anthony’s Clothes Closet and would step in wherever needed at All Saints Catholic Parish, where she was also a member. Tending to her flower gardens, traveling and “collecting” were some of her joys - but what she most cherished in life were her family, friends and most importantly, the times with her granddaughters. Her never ending kind heart, open mind/ears/home, her forgiveness, humor & wit, humility, smile, toughness and the sacrifices she made, especially for her children - will always be remembered and we are forever grateful. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph L. Blake; her sisters, Mary “Joyce” Calhoun and Janet Hamilton; by her brother, Richard "Zeke" Zirkelbach and by a brother-in-law, Allen Hamilton. She is survived by: a son, Adam (Lissa) Blake of Glen Ellyn, IL; a daughter, Alexandra “Ali” (Keith) Shininger of Lafayette; Brother, Mark (Cindy) Zirkelbach; in-laws Bill Calhoun, Billie Jo Zirkelbach and Mary (Eddie) Carner all of Evansville; her adoring and adored granddaughters, Lucie and Emerson Blake and Josephine “Josie” and Henrietta “Etta” Shininger - her life’s soul sisters, (especially Funke and Ann), her favorite niece and many other nieces and nephews, many close neighbors and her dog, Tink. There will be a Mass of Christian Burial held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, September 18th, 2021 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Evansville, Rev. Alex Zenthoefer officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 3:00 until 7:30 P.M. on Friday at Pierre Funeral Home, 2601 W. Franklin Street, where there will be a memorial service held at 6:00 P.M. Friends may also visit with the family from 10:15 A.M. until the time of the Mass on Saturday at Sacred Heart. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are requested to be made to St. Boniface Parish - 418 N Wabash Ave. Evansville, IN 47712 or All Saints Parish - 704 N First Ave. Evansville, IN 47710 - or, please just enjoy a pronto pup with a good friend at the Westside Nut Club Fall Festival and think of Deb. ;) Condolences may be made online at www.pierrefuneralhome.com.

Deborah J. Blake

April 4, 1950 - September 13, 2021