Blair Riepma Gaines

BLAIR RIEPMA GAINES 1945-2014 Blair Riepma Gaines, 69 years old, died on September 16th, after a protracted battle with early-onset Alzheimer's disease. She suffered for over a decade, but she continuously rose to the challenges of her illness with a grace that served as a true example of courage to those who loved her. The daughter of Siert Riepma and Marva Blair, she was born in Washington, D.C., and graduated with honors from the College of William and Mary in Virginia, where she was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. She met her husband during a college theater production of Shakespeare's Richard III. They were married in 1966 in the College's Wren Chapel. Blair earned a Master's Degree in Journalism from Indiana University in 1972, and in 1977 moved with her family to Alabama, where she taught at Auburn University at Montgomery until her retirement in 2007. She and her husband have been residents of Fort Mill, SC since that time. Blair taught Mass Communications in Montgomery for twenty-nine years. Imbued with a passion for learning, Blair funneled that joy into her work with students. Several remember her as a teacher who changed the course of their lives. She also raised two children while working, and for many years faithfully served as caregiver to her invalid father. She is survived by her devoted husband Robert (Bob) Anderson Gaines, her loving son Robert Riepma Gaines and daughter-in-law Maria Prokopenko of Pomona, CA, and her loving daughter Elizabeth Louise Gaines of Austin, Texas. Blair touched many who will remember her impact on their lives, whether by awakening an undiscovered passion, or by teaching through example how to suffer the unimaginable and never lose the capacity for joy. In lieu of flowers the family requests those who wish to honor her memory to consider a donation to the Alzheimer's association or to any charitable cause. Services will be held on Saturday, September 20th at 2:00 PM at the Church of Our Savior in Rock Hill, SC. The family will greet friends at their home, 913 Treasure Ct., Fort Mill, 29708, on Friday evening from 6:00 to 9:00 PM, and at a reception to be held at the Church of Our Savior following the service. The family wishes to recognize with special thanks the devoted staff of Care Haven of Ft. Mill., SC, and Dr. Vina Pesaru, who oversaw her care for the last 5 years of her life. Online condolences may be made at www.palmettofh.com The family of Blair Gaines is being served by Palmetto Funeral Home & Crematory of Fort Mill, SC

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