Mary C. Blackburn
June 15, 1913 — January 3, 2007
Mary Cecilia Russell Blackburn, 93, of Preston St., Bedford, died Wednesday evening, January 3, 2007 at her residence. She was born June 15, 1913 in Bedford, daughter of the late Arthur S. and Ruth (Stevenson) Russell. She was the beloved wife of Kenneth Lamborn “Ted” Blackburn whom she married July 25, 1942 in Bedford. She is survived by five children: Melissa wife of Michael Shakman of Chicago, Il. Sharon, wife of Homer Dumas of Honolulu, Hi, Marcia, wife of Thomas Rogish of Shepherdstown, WV, Cecilia Lawrence of Dallas, Tx., William Blackburn married to the former Margaret Golian of Shanksville, ten grandchildren: Katherine Blackburn Shakman, Mary Frances Dumas, James Edmund Dumas, Joseph Kipp Blackburn Rogish, Jeffrey Thomas Lamborn Rogish, Wendy Leigh Bialek, Charitie Amber Mercier, William Russell Blackburn, Jason Laine Blackburn, Kelsey Marie Blackburn and five great grandchildren: Jackson Thomas Rogish, Aleyna Marie Penny, London Renee Mercier, Nixon Kain Mercier and Baily Laine Blackburn. Also surviving are brothers and sisters: Allen Stevenson Russell married to the former Judy Sexauer of Hilton Head, NC, James Kirk Russell married to the former Betty Manspeaker of Bedford, Beverly Ruth wife of Wilbur Creelman of Emmaus, Pa. and Anna Belle wife of Eugene Thomas of San Diego, Ca. She was preceded in death by one brother John Franklin Russell.
She was a life member and the oldest member and a Deacon of the Bedford Presbyterian Church. She had also served as a Sunday School teacher and was a member of the Ladies Circle. She was one of the earliest members of the Ladies Aux. at Bedford Hospital and also a member of numerous bridge clubs for many years.
She was a graduate of Bedford High School class of 1931 a graduate of Wilson College in Chambersburg and a graduate of Columbia University in New York. She was a teacher and the Head Librarian at Bedford High School for many years, retiring in 1975.
Mary Blackburn devoted her life to family, friends and the Bedford Presbyterian Church. She loved traveling with her husband and family and last year even visited Australia,
Funeral Services: Wednesday, January 10, 2007 at 11:00 AM from the Bedford Presbyterian Church. Burial at the Fishertown Cemetery. Friends will be received on Tuesday from 2-4 & 7-9 PM at the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home in Bedford. There will also be a memorial service at the Bedford Presbyterian Church on Sunday, January 14, 2007 following the church service at 11:30 AM. Sign our online guest book at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com.