Mary M. Blair, 74, of Richmond, passed away peacefully at home Friday, Aug, 2, 2019, with her children and partner by her side. She was the dedicated wife for 31 years of Stephen W. Blair, who predeceased her in August 1997.
Mary was born Aug. 31, 1944, at Fort George Wright in Spokane, Washington, the daughter of the late Capt. Leo and Louise Beldo. She received her Bachelor of Arts from Lawrence University, where she met her future husband. She completed her master’s degree requirements from Boston University and taught music at Governor Dummer Academy for many years. After stopping work to have a family, she later went back and was a choral director in the public school system in New Hampshire. Mary volunteered for numerous organizations throughout her life, most recently for Tanglewood, the Berkshire Historical Society and 18 Degrees’ Kids 4 Harmony. She was an avid reader and crossword puzzle aficionado who always supported her local public library. Mary traveled around the world with both her husband and later, her partner, Stephen Murray, with whom she lived for over 15 years on her beloved farm in Western Massachusetts. She enjoyed talking of her three grandchildren, was a loyal and caring friend to many, and was always a prime example of the Finnish concept of sisu.
She is remembered by her daughter, Ann Blair Silvers, and husband of Woolwich, New Jersey; her son, Clark Blair, of Lee; her partner, Stephen Murray, of Richmond; her sister, Ann Lowrey, and husband of Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin; her brother, John Beldo, and wife of Menominee, Michigan; and her three grandchildren: Samantha, Kaitlyn and Stephen. The families would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the wonderful and caring staff at the ICU at Bay State Hospital and HospiceCare in the Berkshires for their dedication and compassion.
Services will be celebrated Friday, Aug. 9, 2019, at 2 p.m. at West Stockbridge Congregational Church, 45 Main St., West Stockbridge. A small reception will immediately follow the service. A cemetery service will be held in the fall for immediate family members only. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make a donation to 18 Degrees: Kids 4 Harmony or the Richmond Public Library c/o FINNERTY & STEVENS FUNERAL HOME, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230. To send remembrances to the family, go to www.finnertyandstevens.com.
