Edith Antoniette Albert Blake, a beloved matriarch and longtime resident of Red Bank, passed away peacefully March 7, 2026, at the age of 108, surrounded by her loving family in Toms River.
Born Feb. 25, 1918, Mrs. Blake lived a life defined by devotion to family, faith and community. She attended Fisk Street School in Fair Haven at a time when it was the only kindergarten to eighth-grade school available for Black children in the area. Those early experiences shaped a lifetime marked by resilience, compassion and quiet strength.
On Feb. 14, 1938, she married Charles Blake in Queens, New York. They were married 52 years until his passing in 1990. Together they raised four children and built a legacy that continues through generations.
Mrs. Blake dedicated much of her life to caring for others. She worked as a trusted caregiver for numerous families in the Fair Haven, Little Silver and Red Bank communities, where she was known for her kindness, patience and unwavering dedication.
Her faith was central to her life. She was a devoted member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Red Bank, where she was active in the church choir and participated in many church groups and activities over the years. Her presence and voice were cherished parts of the church community.
Mrs. Blake was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Blake, and three of her children: Wilma Pulling; Ione Perry and her husband, Ernest Perry; and Charles Blake Jr.
She is survived by her daughter, Brenda Blake; 13 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and 20 great-great-grandchildren, along with many nieces, nephews and extended family members and friends who will cherish her memory and the love she shared throughout her long and remarkable life.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 13, at Thompson Memorial Home, 310 Broad St., Red Bank. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. March 14 at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 26 E. Sunset Ave., Red Bank. Burial will follow the service at Monmouth Memorial Park in Tinton Falls.
Mrs. Blake’s extraordinary life, spanning more than a century, touched countless people. She will be remembered for her deep faith, gentle spirit and the enduring love she gave to her family and community.
In lieu of sending flowers, Edith requested that donations be made to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) at chop.edu.
The article originally appeared in the March 12 – 18, 2026 print edition of The Two River Times.
