Aina Biruta Blake

Aina also loved her family, her many friends, and her many pets. Aina was also a devout member of Christ the King Lutheran Church, in Universal City.

For many years, Aina lead an organization called Homes for the Homeless, an organization dedicated to caring for animals in need. Upon the passing of its founders, Ruth and Gordon Blake, Aina became the organization’s leader. She remained fervently committed to the organization’s mission of finding homes for homeless pets. Working closely with the City of Universal City, Aina played a role in the establishment of Universal City’s current animal shelter, and later, its first dog park, the appropriately and beautifully named Aina B. Blake Dog Park.

Known by many as “The Cupcake Queen”, Aina was well known for her wonderful bake sales, as well as her can collections of cans; both of which raised money which helped to support Homes for the Homeless.

Aina is preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Alwina Kalinks; her sister, Austra Rudaus; spouses, Erwin Gutz, and Lt. General Gordon Blake; son, Gerald Blake (Emily); daughter/son-in-laws, Jean Blake, Ted Browning, Emily Blake; Grand Niece, Monika Strautnieks.

She is survived by Nieces, Rudite Thompson, Dagmara Ernstsons, Astrida Strautnieks (Gundars); Grand Nieces and Nephews, Larry DeBeau (Kim), Troy DeBeau, Tony DeBeau (Sara), Debra Koebke (Terry), Arvids Ernstsons (Laura), Erik Strautnieks (Kris), Andy Strautnieks.

Aina is also survived by her family by marriage: Son and Daughter, Robert Blake and Barbara Browning; Grandchildren, Michael Blake (Danny Bailey), Kelly Powell (Kelly N.), Rhett Blake (Niki), Teri Kocher (David), Jerry Browning (Pam), Mark Blake (Carmen), Geoff Blake (Karen); Great Grandchildren, Catelin Springer (Dan), Blake Powell (Betsy), Grant Powell (Emily), Chandler Blake (Meagan), Hayden Blake (Alison), Preston Blake, Kristen Neace (Brandon), Gretchen Kocher, Brian Kocher (Amanda), Jaclyn Browning (Aaron), Matthew Browning, Garrett Blake (Kristin); Great-Great Grandchildren, Rowen and Bennett Springer, Blakely and Brinely Powell, Blake Neace, Alec Neace, Kali Jackson, Brad Jackson Jr. (Kamilya), Ayden Kocher, Jeremy Ward, Kaleb Ward, Grayson Blake; and Great-Great-Great Grandchild, Alisa Jackson.

A visitation for Aina will be held Monday, March 27, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Colonial Funeral Home, 625 Kitty Hawk Road, Universal City, TX 78148. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, March 28, 2023 from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 1129 Pat Booker Rd., Universal City, TX 78148. A committal service will occur Tuesday, March 28, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd., San Antonio, TX 78209.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Homes for the Homeless by mailing check/money order/cash to: HOMES FOR THE HOMELESS P.O. Box 3081 Universal City, TX 78148; or, by delivering donations in person to the Universal City Animal Shelter, at 134 Athenian Universal City, TX 78148 (210)658-0700. Mailing Address: 2150 Universal City Blvd. Universal City, TX 78148.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.colonialuniversal.com for the Blake family.