ForeverMissed
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Tributes
December 16, 2019
December 16, 2019
Grandma Connie was such a wise and informed person. She loved her family and made every effort to visit.  Connie visited with Anne Blaney on several occasions when Anne was in the hospital with brain tumours. It was Anne's last international trip to her mother's services. Anne went to the services against her husband's wishes because she was was very ill. Anne was not able to set up the memorial in June. Sadly, Anne left this earthly realm in March 1, 2019. Anne is now resting with her mother and loved ones. 

Del Blaney. Husband and life partner...forever. 
December 15, 2019
December 15, 2019
Still miss your warm wit and insightful advice. Much love.

Leo
April 24, 2018
April 24, 2018
Posted from an email to Leslie Denby from her good friend Ben

Dear Leslie, I read with great sadness the obituary your brother wrote for your mother. We are so sorry to hear this news. She was one of a kind.. I can still remember her, large wine glass of red in hand when we first met her with you in London (this was pre Giles days!). Both an awe inducing, inspiring, baffling and, simultaneously, a terrifying experience. I always felt she didn’t suffer sloppy thinking (and you know we are all about sloppy “unthinking”) or worse, dull people. A huge personality to be sure. Sincere condolences and I look forward to drinking to her memory when we next see you guys, in Blighty?? Much love, as always, Ben and John xxx
April 18, 2018
April 18, 2018
I, too, mourn the loss of Constance. I met her and Charles when we were students at Columbia University, and we became good friends. She was a charming and vivacious person and generous to a fault. She often gave me words of encouragement, and I will treasure the memories I have of her. My condolences to her family.
April 15, 2018
April 15, 2018
What a wonderful tribute this site is to my sister, Constance. I remember her as very generous, fun and, yes a little crazy. We always had a great time visiting her, most recently in Rome and London. Our last visit was in September, 2017 when we took her to the opera and Crush Room at the Royal Opera House. She said that she had always wanted to eat at the Crush Room. What a great experience with her. I think she really enjoyed it. There was no hint of her severe illness. What a shock! I still have a hard time believing it. Even though we did not see each other that often, I living in California and Constance in London or off lecturing somewhere, our sibling bond was strong and loving and I will surely miss her.
John Taylor
April 13, 2018
April 13, 2018
From: Valery Rees

Dear Anne, Leslie and Theo,

I am writing this from the Sinai desert, so it may not even leave my machine for another 10 days as connections are very erratic. But I wanted to take the opportunity to send condolences to you all as members of Constance’s family. She was a unique person, who will be greatly missed. I only met her in later years, becoming a friend despite some initial reservations on her part. I had immense respect for her mental energies, and for the courage with which she bore her adversities, and it has been gratifying to see so many scholars rallying round to celebrate her legacy.

With sincere good wishes to you all,

Valery Rees
April 5, 2018
April 5, 2018
From Amber and Steve, neighbours to my mother, amber.ascroft@gmail.com

John, from across the road, passed on your email address. I just wanted to say I am so sorry to hear about your mother Constance. John posted a lovely card but it was a real shock and so sudden. She was the kindest neighbour and we felt so lucky to know her. She once told me she liked lavender and when I received a lavender wreath I passed it on to her. She had it in her window for months or even years. And I have sweet emails I will cherish from her. If you have any info on a funeral, please do let us know although it’s so difficult for me to get time off work unfortunately :(

Amber and Steve (No 3) X
April 5, 2018
April 5, 2018
From Alan Gabbey, agabbey@barnard.edu
 
  After some 35 years of acquaintance with Constance, my pleasant memories of Gloucester Crescent and of other places further afield, including New York and St Andrews, have now become even more fresh in stark contrast to the dismal finality of the news of 29 March.
  Condolences conveyed and expressions of deep regret are scarcely commensurate with the situation, or with the current mood within your family. Though expected during the final weeks, ​​the loss will remain real for you and your sisters, Leslie and Anne. I cannot do other than hope that in the months ahead you and the family find the fortitude to bear the loss of your mother.
  Very best wishes to you all,

Alan Gabbey​​
Professor Emeritus of Philosophy
Barnard College, New York
April 5, 2018
April 5, 2018
From College Roommate Maudie Davis, NYC

Connie always loved travel and adventure. In the 1960s my brother was in Italy on a Fullbright Scholarship and we visited him. "Our hearts were young and gay." We visited the beautiful Amalfi Coast of Italy. Connie was a perpetual searcher and scholar. I settled down to be a school teacher and was always amazed at her inquiring mind and many projects. I loved her husband Bill and have pleasant memories visiting them in the Berkshires and going on hikes before she settled in Great Britain. She gave me the gift of Anne as a God Daughter and friendship with Pei Yi. A unique and loyal old, old friend since we graduated Smith in 1956.
April 4, 2018
April 4, 2018
From c.m.pyle@nyu.edu

Thank you, Leslie. Richard and I are so very sorry about your loss. We are suffering greatly, after nearly 50 years of close friendship, but your loss is far greater. I am in touch with many of your mother's friends, and we are all here to help.

C. M. Pyle
Intellectual and Cultural Historian
Co-Chair, Columbia University Seminar in the Renaissance
April 4, 2018
April 4, 2018
Our deepest sympathies to the family of Constance. She will be sorely missed by everyone . She was indeed a very colourful character who touched the hearts of everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her. The words of wisdom that she imparted to both my daughter's Trish and Heluschka as well as myself will never be forgotten. Rest in peace Constance
April 2, 2018
April 2, 2018
I knew Constance since I was a child and her calm and patient manner have been a part of my understanding of the world ever since. She always treated me, along with everyone I saw her interact with, in the most gracious and generous of manners. For someone like me with less than the most adroit social skills, I was in awe of the ease with which she was able to put people around her and exude a sense of warmth and comfort. This sense intensified as I saw her interact with my own children. Her ability to convey respect and decency to everyone regardless of age or background was truly something to behold.

Constance was a tireless fighter to support people in becoming the best that they could be. I saw her help many people, in particular artists and intellectuals, to grow and flourish. In my own case, she was fundamental in providing me the opportunity to do things that I would not have been otherwise able to do. It is no understatement at all to say that I would not be where I am today without her kind and generous support. At a time when I was dispirited, adrift, and despondent, Constance offered me guidance and opportunity that turned my life around to a far more positive trajectory. No words can ever repay that debt that I owe. Her loss is a loss to me personally, and to my family who all have very fond memories of her. But more, it is a loss to the world that such a generous soul has moved on.
April 1, 2018
April 1, 2018
It was very sad and shocking to learnt about Constance's death. My sincere condolences to her family.
Constance was a remarkable woman. Very special, highly intelligent, intellectual, fun, live her life enjoying many passions and life, in general. Also, she was a great company. Very open minded. I met Constance through Thomas and Flanam and we shared opera, dinners, parties and Art. Through her I met one of my closest friends: AK Dolven and I am very grateful for that.
Constance championed art, in particular women artists. She was very supportive of Art and the artists. I am very proud of having such an special person. By sure, she wont be forgotten in a hurry. I salute her with a glass of champaigne: She really managed to live life to the full.
April 1, 2018
April 1, 2018
Howard Hotson

A unique patron of intellectual history worldwide and a tireless champion of many other worthy causes, a vividly unforgettable, unfettered spirit who was at the same time a natural team player, supporter and sustainer of others. Never met anyone like her. Never expect to again. Thanks for everything, Constance. You will be sorely missed.

From Constance's family: Thank you so much Howard. We will treasure these words about Constance in our hearts.
--
April 1, 2018
April 1, 2018
Helen Hattab

I am so sad to hear this and so very sorry for your, and our loss. I met Constance as a student and she set me on my current intellectual path by encouraging and inspiring me to delve into renaissance Aristotelianisms. She will be missed by our scholarly community.

From Constance's family: Thank you, Helen for your words.
April 1, 2018
April 1, 2018
Anne Kathrine Dolven

This is so sad news. The wonderful, supporting intelligent woman Constance Blackwell. Such a generous interesting woman in the art world. Later a neighbour and we had meals in her home with conversation I bring with me forever. I feel the loss with you family and friends. Thank you Constance.

This is a message from Anne Kathrine Dolven, a famous Norwegian photographer.

From Constance's family: Thank you fdor being such a kind neighnour and your friendship with Constance.
March 31, 2018
March 31, 2018
Lesley Abdela 

I just arrived in Istanbul and read this sad news. Constance was a Founder Member of the all party 300 Group campaign to get more women into Parliament. We first met back in the 1980s. We would drop our sons Theo and Nik off at Stepping Stone School and then have breakfast together in a nearby cafe. She was a stalwart of the 300 Group campaign. Tim and I send warmest thoughts to Theo and her family. Lesleyxxxxxxxxx

Lesley's facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/lesley.abdela?fref=ufi

From Constance's family: Thank you for sharing with our grief.
March 31, 2018
March 31, 2018
Monica Lundry 

Oh, Leslie, Ann & Theo, I’m so sorry. Connie was a strong & brilliant woman. Our mothers loved one another. Leslie, you’re my twin & I’m sending you love and my deepest condolences.

Monica's facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/monica.lundry?fref=ufi

From Constance's family: Thank you dear Monica, for your kindness!
March 31, 2018
March 31, 2018
Sandra Bonsanti 

Mi mancherai sempre, cara amica di anni molto belli e molto difficili. Il playground della 72 strada, la nostra casa piena di suoni e voci di bambine, i tuoi racconti di silvia Plath...e poi Roma e p. Ercole. E come eri fiera delle tue figlie e figlio. Ora il riposo tuo e il nostro rimpianto, alessandra
I will always miss you, dear friend of very beautiful and very difficult years. The 72 street playground, our house full of sounds and voices of girls, your tales of Silvia Plath... and then Rome and p. Hercules. And how proud you were of your daughters and son. Now your rest and our regret, Alessandra

Sandra's facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/sandra.bonsanti?fref=ufi

From Constance's family: Thank you for your wonderful friendship over the many years and your kind words.
March 31, 2018
March 31, 2018
Praneetha's Trinkets 

RIP Constance. Memories of her affection, generosity and motivation will always be in our hearts. Please accept our deepest condolences to the family and will truly miss her insightful conversations. - Praneetha and Prasad

Ptaneetha and Prasad's facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/praneethas.trinkets.5?fref=ufi

From Constance's family: Thank you for your incredible kindness towards Constance and your beautiful words.
March 31, 2018
March 31, 2018
Dana Jalobeanu 

I am very sorry to hear this sad news. I have fond memories of Constance who was a wonderful scholar and a kind friend. She will be very much missed. My condolences to the family and friends.

Dana's facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/dana.jalobeanu?fref=ufi

From Constance's family: Thank you for sharing your memories and condolences with us.
March 31, 2018
March 31, 2018
Linnea Eva Lovisa Holmer 

I knew Constance through thomas frangenberg who passed away ealier this month. I am so sorry to hear about Constance. I have many found memories. Love linnea

Linnea's facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/linnea.e.holmer?fref=ufi

From Constance's family: Thank you for sharing your kind thoughts and words.
March 31, 2018
March 31, 2018
Julie Davies Lives in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

From Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Catching up with Constance has been one of the best things about going back to the UK for the last decade. She never ceased to amaze with her enthusiasm and care. Rest in peace Constance, thank you for making the world a better place.

Julie's facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/julie.davies.3745?fref=ufi

From Constance's family: Thank you Julie, it was wonderful to read your words.
March 31, 2018
March 31, 2018
Dearest Constance,

We are in deep sadness to hear of your sudden passing. You were one of our first customers since we opened and one who fast became a dear friend to us, to our other patrons and to literally everyone you crossed paths with.

Your warmth, your wit, your wisdom and your charms will be greatly missed. Our conversations were truly unique and your laughter contagious. Thank you for imparting your knowledge over the years, and for the support you showed us right from the start in our endeavours and our events, your support never waned and we are forever grateful.

We used to see you walking up our road almost every day, pulling your trolley along come rain or shine, just to visit us, you certainly loved sipping on your espresso whilst you caught up on the daily news and frantically typed away at your coffee stained laptop. Life at the café just won’t be the same without you. Thank you for coming into our lives and for the memories, you will never be forgotten.

Rest in peace dear Constance.

Shine on wherever you are.

Love always,
From all of us at Café Adagio, past & present.
March 31, 2018
March 31, 2018
Niall Martin 

A lovely an intelligent women who shared her knowledge with many and carried on many of the concerns she shared with the late Charles Schmitt.

Niall's facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/rndmartin?fref=ufi

From Constance's family: Thank you for your kind words.
March 31, 2018
March 31, 2018
Michael Deckard 

She complimented my very first conference presentation in Piliscaba where you organized a conference, Richard. I will never forget her generosity...

Michael's facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/mdeckard1?fref=ufi

From Constance's family: Your kind words touched our hearts.

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