Vera Catherine Blair

Vera Blair of Glennallen

1935-2025 

Vera Catherine Blair was born on August 16, 1935 in Phoenix, Arizona to Hazen and Mabel Cram. She passed away peacefully on August 10, 2025 in Glennallen, Alaska.

Vera grew up alongside her sister, Beverly Thuma. She spent her early years living in California before her family relocated to Medford, Oregon, where she attended Medford High School. It was during her high school years that she met her "Mr Wonderful", Paul James Blair. In a story she loved to share, Vera's best friend Dolly had two boyfriends and Vera boldly told her "I'm taking Paul!" True to her word, she and Paul married in Reno, Nevada in 1952 when she was just 17 years old. As a devoted military wife, she accompanied Paul during assignments, living in Okinawa, Japan; Omaha, Nebraska; Fort Benning, Georgia; and White Sands, New Mexico.

Vera was the proud mother of six daughters: Debbie (Tim) Suderman, Cathy (Charles) Perrett, Diana (Ralph) Swenk, Cherie (Jim) Sparks, Paula Cooley, and Angela (Dan) Horvath. She was also blessed with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom she loved dearly.

In her early working years, Vera was employed as a telephone switchboard operator. In 1975, the family made what was intended to be a six-week trip to Alaska, but they fell in love with the state and never left. Glennallen became their home for the next 50 years. Vera dedicated many years of service to the American Legion Auxiliary in Glennallen, contributing her time and talents to the community.

Vera's passions included crafting, and in 1977 she opened "The Hobby Shop" in Glennallen, which became a beloved gathering place for family and friends. Many of her grandchildren spent countless hours there learning new skills and sharing in her joy for creativity. Know for her infectious laugh and warm personality, Vera made friends wherever she went. She cherished family gathering, especially during the holidays, and was famous for making her signature Watergate salad for every occasion. He life with Paul was filled with love and dedication, lasting from their marriage in 1952 until his passing in 2011. She was a proud nurturing mother, a loving grandmother, and a loyal friend. Her values of kindness, hospitality, and love for family left and indelible mark on everyone who knew her.

Vera's legacy lives on in the lessons she taught her family – hard work, love without conditions, and the importance of togetherness. Her favorite hymn, "How Great Thou Art," was a reflection of her enduring faith and gratitude for life, She will be remembered always for her laughter, her generosity, and the joy she brought into every room.

Vera was preceded in death by her parents Hazen and Mabel Cram, her sister Beverly Trammel, her beloved "Mr Wonderful" Paul J Blair, her daughter Debra Suderman, son-in-law Dan Horvath, grandchildren Beverly and Joel Perrett and great grandson Asher Abbott.