Elizabeth (Bette) McCoy Murray Blum (1940-2020), beloved wife, mother and grandmother passed away at home in Rockland, Maine on November 6, 2020. Bette was born in Wilmington, Delaware to Mildred and John Murray. She was a graduate of Ursuline Academy and Rosemont College. Bette had a wide circle of friends and an even wider sphere of influence. In addition to her family and her career, Bette was an avid skier, sailor and volunteer for organizations in Buffalo and in Miami and Rockland, where she spent her later years.
Bette could stand at the top of the stairs at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, looking out over Delaware Park and Hoyt Lake and think about it as her life’s work. Bette teamed up with other young mothers and volunteers to restore Delaware Park in the mid-seventies. The group focused on fixing up the boat house, replanting the rose garden and cleaning up the lake.
From her volunteer work as a docent at the Albright Knox Art Gallery, Bette took a position working on the education program. She then became the assistant to the director, Douglas Schultz. In the late 80’s, she left to run the Buffalo office of New York State Assembly member Bill Hoyt, where she worked until he died in 1992. She later worked with Mayor Anthony Masiello on increasing appointments of people from under-represented communities to Buffalo city commissions.
She was also an active member of and contributor to the communities where she lived. She helped start and run the Buffalo Green Fund, served on the Nichols School Board of Trustees and became the first female leader for sailing clubs in Buffalo area when she was elected the Commodore of the Buffalo Harbor Sailing Club in 1994.
With her husband, Bernie, Bette enjoyed travelling and exploring, often by sailboat. She and Bernie sailed around Greece and Italy, Scandinavia, the Bahamas, Caribbean and British Columbia. She loved being on the water with her family and her friends whether it was for day trips and sunsets around Biscayne Bay, longer trips abroad, or racing in Western New York. She was a successful and early skipper in the Buffalo Harbor Sailing Club Tuesday night women’s series where she and her crew relished declaring “spinnaker, no men” when they checked in with the committee boat.
Bette is survived by her husband, Bernie, daughters Amy Houston (Tom) and Nancy Blum, grandchildren Nina and Henry Houston, and sisters Nancy Haggerty and Jackie Wheatley.
Photos of Bette's life can be found in the momentos section. A recording of her memorial service is posted at https://vimeo.com/487913493.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her honor to the Buffalo Green Fund, PO Box 282, East Amherst, NY 14051 or https://www.buffalogreenfund.org/donate-now/.
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Acerca de |
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| Nombre | Elizabeth (Bette) Blum |
| Fecha de nacimiento | 2 febrero, 1940 |
| Fecha de defunción | 6 noviembre, 2020 |
| Ciudad de origen | Wilmington, DE, US |
| Otra ciudad | Buffalo, NY, US |
| Donación en memoria del difunto | Buffalo Green Fund |
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Familia |
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| Significant Other | Bernie Blum |
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Momentos importantes |
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| 1958 | Ursuline Academy, High School Diploma | ||
| 1958 - 1962 | Rosemont College, Bachelor of Arts | ||
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published a tribute .
Starting in 1989 Frank Kolbert and I shared 25+ Christmas Eve dinners with Bette, Bernie, Amy and Nancy and many more friends and family. Always the best night of the year!
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Frank -- Thank you for posting -- and thank you for sending us pictures that take us through the 25+ years. Amy made a slide show, and it's now posted in the "Mementos" section of the site.
publicó un comentario .
Frank and Frank introduced me to Bette and her family. Bette is now a legend in the Mulhern family ,thanks to the wonderful house/90th birthday present she brought to me in Cooperstown, a "6-pack" of Veuve Cliquot champagne. She will not be soon forgotten. God bless.
Barbara -- she loved her visits with you on Jameson Point Road (and we all feel so lucky that we had the chance to stay with you for the Franks celebration. Much love - Nancy
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Bette and I met 6 years ago when I had fallen broken my knee. She instantly volunteered to chauffeur me to our bridge games and more. We became close friends and as fate had it I became her wheels to our bridge games. We shared many interests and friends. I became a regular at her Friday bridge table with her boys, Peter, Harry and Merve. I miss her ever so much. My thoughts and prayers are with her family she loved much. I was lucky to be counted amongst her friends.
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Ileane -- Thank you for sharing. She loved her games with you and the boys!
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Dear Bernie, Amy, and Nancy,
Marcia and I want to express our condolences on Bette's passing. She was a wonderful friend who was always full of spirit! I first knew her when they moved in on Highland Avenue and I became the bartender for a few of their legendary parties! Over the years she turned into a great sailor who was difficult to race against and who I loved having on board my boat crewing for me. She brought a lot to the party on the water and sailors around the world will miss her.
We will keep those happy memories and keep her in our prayers.
All the best to the Blum family.
Jack Mathias
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Jack -- We loved hearing this. I always felt luck to grow up on "Mathias Lene", the real name of Highland Avenue.
From Bernie " My introduction to Big Boat sailing came when Jim Daniels (Ginny Daniel's father) recruited me to sail with Marcia's father Dick Brennan on his Borsaw for the Erie Dover. Candidly, sail trim was a new topic for the crew. I would crew during theweek and then get off for the weekend so family could sail. Finally, Dick said please stay on for the weekend. I did and for the first time we were on the podium.
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Thanks to everyone who joined us yesterday. For those who could not, here is a link to her memorial. https://youtu.be/YRupaV7aa-w
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Wonderful memories of Bette, our sister-in-law. We spent week long vacations at Chatham Bars Inn in the 1970s with three young children, very long fancy meals, and many rainy Cape Cod days. We spent hours devising things to keep the girls busy: songs(Patti Page's "Old Cape Cod'), walks, games, hotel hide n seek and lots of laughing and fun. We treasure these memories!
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Bette was a treasured member of our South Beach bridge group, a beautiful lady inside and out.
A lady in every sense of the word who fought her battle with bravery and determination.
It was my privilege to spend happy times with her every winter during my stay from the UK.
She will be sorely missed by me and all her friends.
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Bette and I walked together on the boardwalk on Miami Beach for more than 25 years. We would meet just at sunrise and walk for over an hour every weekday. Bette always greeted me with a smile and a kiss. We talked and laughed and watched Miami Beach transform before our eyes. During our conversations Bette was mother, sister, trusted adviser, best friend and confidante. Some mornings were “gas powered” as we both talked and laughed and observed the people around us. Other days we walked quietly and happily. So very sad she is gone. So very glad and grateful we had those hours together.
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Dear Bernie, Amy and Nancy
We are so sorry to hear about Bette’s passing!
She was a wonderful lady, Anyone who can keep up with Bernie and keep him on course for all those years is an amazing woman!
Blum’s will be in our thoughts and prayers!
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I loved looking at the photos in the mementos section! Hope you all enjoy this photo as well!
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publicó un comentario .
Dear Bernie, Amy and Nancy - so sorry to hear about Bette's passing. What a fantastic lady she was! I think I've known her all of my life...skiing, sailing, and being around the Blum family! Great photos and memories for you all to cherish. Thoughts and prayers!
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published a tribute .
Bernie and family,
Sad to hear of Bette's passing. My mom Helen Letina enjoyed her time with the family. My thoughts and prayers to all from the Letina Family.
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Mike - Thank you so much for writing/posting. We were so lucky to have your mother in our lives. She was a huge influence on my and my sister. Much love to you and the whole Letina Family.
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published a tribute .
Bernie and family,
I’m so sorry to hear about Bette. One can’t think of Bette without thinking of sailing. As I can recall most every time I saw her it was either sailing on Blue Zoo at the BYC or on Inbox in Maine. I know she will be missed, all our best to you from the Estoff family in Hingham.
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published a tribute .
Bette, Carolee, Harriet and I enjoyed several years of hilarious bridge games, as well as theatre and opera. I wish I’d known her when she could run and sail, but the Bette I knew was very much a gracious presence and a delight to be with. She was a vital and engaged woman, easily smiling and laughing. And a dear friend.
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published a tribute .
I knew Bette thru our bridge club. We took the occasional lessons together. She smiled thru everything. I enjoyed her humor and greatly admired her perseverance.
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publicó un comentario .
i met Bette when we worked together at Delaware Park Race Track in the summers during college . We knew and dated some nice guys who working there while going to law school .Later on my future husband , Bob Mallouk, dated Bette before me! She actually was on a ski trip with the Delaware Ski Club and Bob Mallouk when she met Bernie. Much later i met Bob. Bette was my maid of honor in my wedding. I always knew Bette was there for me ,if needed her. A strong anchor for all of us.
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published a tribute .
We are very sorry to hear the sad news of the wonderful, pioneering Bette Blum. Our thoughts and prayers to all the family.
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publicó un comentario .
Bernie, Amy and Nancy I am so sorry to hear about Bette. On highland we all surely had some wonderful gatherings, the VW reaching a ripe old age, Nancy learning on a two wheeler bike, Many wonderful ski days with Bette at Sitzmarker , and Bernie at Holiday . Tuesday nite sails all girls. Tennis before New Years dinners. Lots of memories. See you on Dec. 5.
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published a tribute .
Bernie, Amy, Nancy - I was so incredibly sad to learn of Bette's passing. I loved and admired her so. Your family was part of our family - I babysat for you girls when we lived across the street on Highland. Bette always welcomed me to come over for a chat and always had sage advice. I don't know if you all remember, but I chose her to be my sponsor when I was confirmed. So many wonderful days shared, vacationing, sailing and spending time together on holidays. Her loss leaves a big whole in my heart and I can only imagine how you all feel. Know we are all thinking of you and are here for any of you at anytime. Much love, Liz
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The trailblazer - first female commodore: https://buffalonews.com/news/blum-quietly-steps-over-the-gender-line-promotion-to-commodore-at-harbor-club-natural-step/article_542c03a9-3090-52f3-b6ae-33f40e338fcc.html
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publicó un comentario .
Our thoughts and condolences go to Bernie, Amy and Nancy at this difficult time. Bette was a real trouper, one of a kind, and she will be missed by many ...
publicó un comentario .
Bernie, Amy, and Nancy...I knew Bette from her days working for Bill Hoyt. When I went to work for Mayor Masiello, the Mayor and I enlisted Bette to help us straighten out who would be on what boards and commissions. (The records were a mess, and the consequences were substantial. It was a real s--t show.) Bette volunteered 2-3 days a week for the better part of a year. She was amazing, as I knew she would be. And we had fun. Community service with a smile. Bette was one of my all-time favorites. Thank you for sharing her with all of us.
Rick - Thank you for writing. We all remember her work with the Mayor and how much she enjoyed making a difference.
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..wonderfully generous, kind, fun, and gracious... she will be missed.
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My deepest condolences to Bette's family. Bette and I met as members of the Miami based, non-profit organization, Funding Arts Network (FAN). Bette volunteered her time and energy for many years as an active member of the grant awards screening committee and attended many of the organization's events. She was a constant source of positivity, always with a quick and bright smile. Bette will be missed by many FANs.
May your wonderful memories be comforting.
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Paula -- thank you for posting. Bette loved to talk to us about her work with FAN and felt so strongly about the work you did.
publicó un comentario .
I just heard of Bette’s passing from Ginny Daniels. I am so sad but had the joy of knowing her. My sympathies to all her family.
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It is impossible for me to think of Bette without feeling the warmth of her smile and her eagerness for life. She was generous and kind and so much fun to be with. For John and I, her bright spirit remains unforgettable.
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Dear Bernie, Amy, Nancy and families: I just heard of Bette's passing. She was such a vibrant and engaging person. I remember working with her during Sam Hoyt's campaign in 1992. I will miss her terribly. Please know that I am thinking of all of you during this very difficult time. Love, Molly
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I was in high school when I started crewing for Bette on Tues night -spinnaker no men - series out of the Buffalo Harbor Sailing Club. What an inspiration and role model when women rarely skippered. Those nights were truly special.
May your memories bring you all some comfort as mine of Bette will. Shed a tear but remember her laugh for she’ll always be in your memory.
Ann
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Ann -- Thank you for posting. It's so lovely to read this and hear from you. I would love to reconnect and hear how you are. Much love. Nancy.
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published a tribute .
My most heartfelt condolences to the Blum family. I did not have the pleasure of meeting Bette but am grateful to count Amy as a dear friend (and can now see where that megawatt smile comes from!). Thank you for sharing these remembrances of an incredible life. Wishing all of Bette's family and friends peace and ease in this sad time.
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publicó un comentario .
My condolences to the Blum family. I came to know Bett at the Midcoast Duplicate Bridge Club. She will be remembered as ever gracious and delightful. I admired her strength in the face of adversity. she will be fondly remembered.
Kathleen, thank you. I know how much she enjoyed her duplicate days and all of you.
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published a tribute .
My condolences to the Blum family. Bette was a member of our Bridge family here in Rockland, Maine. "Gracious" is the word I think of when describing Bette. She was a friend to all .....a lovely lady. Bette will be greatly missed.
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Bette was a dear friend when we were at Ursuline! She was always the brightest in the class, but we had so much fun with her! My deepest condolences to all her family and husband.
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Janice -- thank you. I love hearing that -- and can picture her as an Ursuline student.
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To Nancy - I am sorry for your loss. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
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publicó un comentario .
To the BLUM family.
Bett was smart, sharp and had vast interests. She delighted us all.
I was with her, actually standing next to her when she had her massive stroke.
Her commitment to improve beyond all expectations was extraordinary.
Now she is at rest. Fondly, Elaine Tobler
Elaine -- Thank you for taking such good care of her at the time. We were lucky to have her after her strroke -- and she definitely set a standard for all of us on will and determination.
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Nancy and Amy, I’m so sorry for your loss. I always thought your mum was the coolest - xo Ro
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Oh my so sad to hear the news! Bette was a wonderful person who gave so much to so many!! Always insightful and full of adventure ! A life very well lived and enjoyed!! Condolences to all of you and my very best wishes!! Cherish all those wonderful memories !!
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Bette was the oldest sister and she was generous with her time to me, the youngest sister. Bette took me to horseback riding lessons and introduced me to sailing on Silver Lake in Rehoboth Beach. Also taught me how to drive a stick shift VW. There is a reason why family should NOT teach their sister how to drive. But we survived that episode. Bette was a very strong and energetic woman and is greatly missed.
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publicó un comentario .
When I think of Bette, I remember what a gentle, strong and refined person she was. Bette was concerned with others and always treated people with respect and graciousness. She will be missed by the bridge players at the Midcoast Duplicate Bridge clubs.
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To Nancy and family- I am so sorry for your loss. What an incredible life story and display of historical photos. Bask in the memories of the good times and all the ways you mom has impacted and influenced your life.
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I am so sorry to hear Bette has passed away. What an amazing person and life. I'll always appreciate her letting me sail with her the first year I moved to Buffalo circa 1995ish. My thoughts are with Bernie and all of her family.
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Nancy, we are so very sorry for your loss. What an amazing legacy, thank you for sharing her story. Our deepest sympathies at the loss of your mother.
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Please accept our deepest condolences. May the wonderful memories of the times you spent together, give you strength as you face the days ahead.
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I meet Bette later in both of our lives when we moved to Jameson Point in Rockland. My husband wanted and accomplished sailing from Texas to Maine, where we would spend summers. So from the very beginning Bette and I had lots to talk about. At the time we moved to JP she was Hospitality Chair and I always remember her walking up our path with a Welcome Bag and a smile - saying how glad she was we were there. What an amazing, sweet and very genuine lady! How I wish I had known her earlier, but how grateful I knew her at all. Much love to Bernie and all her family - she will always be a "shining light' in this world.
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Peter and I were so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother Nancy. Her life sounded like a wonderful adventure and looking at her photos it appears she enjoyed it all. Our heartfelt condolences to your family.
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publicó un comentario .
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