NORTHAMPTON - Lorna Rosemary Blake, 96, passed away peacefully on June 23 at Linda Manor Extended Care Facility in Northampton. Lorna was born in Belfast Northern Ireland on January 9, 1930, the youngest of three daughters of the late Nathanial James and Grace Dorothy (Ford) Blake. Growing up during World War II, her childhood memories included delivering telegrams on her bicycle to the families of servicemen, playing sports on a field surrounded by a fence protecting a POW camp, and storing a gas mask under her bed. After graduating from Methodist College and Queen’s University in Belfast.

     Lorna’s adventurous spirit led her far from Northern Ireland to a remarkable career in education. She served as headmistress of a girl’s school in Antigua, taught at Phillips Exeter Academy (NH), served as a college counselor at Milton Academy (MA), worked in college admission at Lawrence University (WI), was freshman dean at Wesleyan University (CT) and served for over 20 years as Director of Admission at Smith College (MA), retiring in 1994.

     Lorna’s work was transformative for thousands of students, and her expertise supporting international students made her a leader in the field of college admission. Lorna was independent, intelligent, and industrious. An avid history buff, she loved to read, travel, play tennis, and knit. Lorna sang for years in the choir at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Northampton. Fiercely proud of her Irish heritage, she returned for countless summers to her beloved homeland until her health declined. Lorna was a lifelong animal lover and especially enjoyed visits from service animals including dogs and a very special support bunny.

     In addition to her best friend, tennis partner and travel companion Yvonne Freccero of Florence MA, Lorna is survived by her cousin Arthur Acheson of Belfast Northern Ireland, nieces Kathryn Marshall Kirchberger (Peter), Lorna Marvell (Tim) and nephew Sandy Marshall (Karen) as well as great nephews William and Ben and great nieces Miriam, Olivia and Rebecca. In addition, she leaves her godson, Sean Heath of Antigua. Lorna was predeceased by her sisters Joan Marshall and Dorothy Blake. 

     Lorna was blessed with excellent care from Dr. Jennifer Depiero, Cooley Dickinson VNA and Hospice, Linda Manor and Christopher Heights; her family offers their heartfelt thanks to each kind, compassionate caregiver and volunteer.

A Calling hour will be held on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at AHEARN FUNERAL HOME,783 Bridge Rd., Northampton from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. A Service of Remembrance at the Funeral Home will be held at 11:00 A.M. with Reverend Richard M. Simpson, Officiant. 

Interment will be private in Hillcrest Park Cemetery, Springfield. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in honor of Lorna can be sent to Cooley Dickinson VNA & Hospice, PO Box 329, Northampton MA 01061-0329