Obituary: Bley, Marie Margaret Strasser
Age 96
Marie was born in Butte Montana October 22, 1918.
She attended grade school at St. Xavier Parish in Spokane and high school at John Rogers in Spokane.
She received a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from WSU in Pullman in 1940 and was one of the first female licensed pharmacists to practice in the state.
During WWII she worked at pharmacies in Olympia, Tacoma, Bellingham, and Spokane.
She married Robert A. Bley of Spokane in 1947 and was married for 52 years until separated by his passing in 1999.
Marie worked at various pharmacies during a long professional career in Spokane—most notably Hart & Dilitush and the pharmacy “under the clock” in the Crescent Department Store.
Bob and Marie traveled extensively after retirement and visited all of the continents except Australia and Antarctica.
She was an avid golfer and bridge player and an accomplished figure skater.
Marie did volunteer work for the Gonzaga Prep Boosters, the Boy Scouts of America, and the Knights of Columbus.
She is survived by her daughter Mary Bley Schultz (Chuck), her sons Bill (Lane), Fred, and Art; her grandson Hans (Rachel) and granddaughter Carney Bley Schultz and great-granddaughters Grace and Elsa Bley and numerous nieces and nephews and their children all of whom loved her and will miss her dearly.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, April 24th at 11 am at Mary Queen Parish (3423 East Carlisle).
To view Marie’s online memorial, please visit www.hennesseyfuneralhomes.com.