Obituary of Susan Elaine Bredt Blake

Susan Elaine Bredt Blake (Age 71)

Passed away peacefully February 19, 2022 after a long battle with cancer. She was born August 21, 1950 in Sanford, MI to Curt and Ruth (Carlson) Bredt. She graduated from Meridian High School in 1968 and graduated from Ferris State University in 1972. Susan moved to the nation’s capital in 1976 to work for the Internal Revenue Service where she met her husband Thomas Blake. They married in 1977 and moved to Falls Church, VA to start a family.

Susan worked 35 years at the Internal Revenue Service and was known for her breadth of knowledge and diligent work. She was recognized for helping  improve tax compliance programs for international, large and mid-sized businesses, and she played a role in advancing employee retirement plans. 

An avid gardener, she took pleasure in cultivating the grounds of her Falls Church home. Susan also loved to travel the world to new destinations. Her fondest memories were of her cross-country road trips with her husband after their retirement and international cruises with family. She was very proud of her children, and in her later years she enjoyed doting on her grandchildren more than anything else.

Susan is survived by her mother, Ruth Bredt; her sister Ruthita Harris, her brother and his wife Curt and Peggy Bredt; her three children Isaac Blake, Elizabeth (Chris) James, and Bret (Ana) Blake; her four granddaughters Myra Blake, Luna James, Stella James and Sicily Blake. She was preceded in death by her father Curt Bredt Jr. and her husband Thomas Blake. All of these she loved and touched deeply.

Graveside service will be held at Arlington National Ceremony at 10:00 am on Wednesday, March 23rd, 2022 where she will be buried alongside her husband.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Horticultural Society at https://connect.ahsgardening.org/donate.