Bertha Halperin Blau

Bertha Halperin Blau, age 97, of Lake Worth, FL formerly of Erie, died Wed. June 8, 2016 at Bethesda Hospital West, West Boyton Beach, FL. She was born on August 7, 1918 in Erie, PA, a daughter of the late Harold and Ida Radov Halperin.

She was a 1935 graduate of Academy High School; earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Mercyhurst College in 1937; and earned her Masters of Education degree in 1956 from the University of Pittsburgh. In addition, she was a doctoral candidate for a PhD in Education from the University of Pittsburgh. In 1957, she earned her Commonwealth of PA Secondary School Principal Certification. Mrs. Blau was a professional educator beginning her career as an English and Math teacher in Sheakleyville, PA. She then taught English at First District Elementary School in Meadville PA. Upon moving to Erie, she was a teacher at Erie East High School, then becoming assistant principal there. She was transferred to her alma mater, Academy High School, in 1968 as assistant principal remaining in that post until her retirement in 1986. She was also the recipient of two special commendation awards for dedicated service to the School District of Erie.

Mrs. Blau was a life member of the National Education Association since 1956. She was affiliated with Brith Sholom Congregation while being an Erie resident. She was also a member of the JCC sisterhood and Hadassah.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband Jacob (Jack) Blau, and her brothers Barney and his wife Rosalind (Penny) and Jacob Halperin.

Survivors include two sons, Lt. Col. Paul Wesley (Carol) Blau of Mt. Laurel, NJ; J. Gordon Blau, Esq. of Lake Mary, FL; daughter-in-law Eileen Falk Blau of Wellington, FL; grandsons Jordan Michael (Melissa) Blau of Stratford NJ; Evan Curtis Blau of Oaklyn, NJ; great granddaughters Hayden Julianna and Fiona Addison Blau, both of Stratford, NJ.

Friends may attend services at Burton Westlake Funeral Home, 3801 West 26th St. (at Powell Ave.) on Monday June 13 at 11am with Rabbi Leonard Lifshen officiating. Interment will be in CBS Cemetery in the family plot.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Education Association, 1201 16th St. NW, Washington, DC 20036-3290 or Chai Hadassah c/o Rosalind Seraita, 3286 Arcara Way, #206 Lake Worth, FL 33467. Chai Hadassah will use the donations to plant trees in Israel in Bertha’s memory. Each tree costs $18. Send condolences at www.BurtonFuneralHome.com