Obituary of Clara BLACKSTONE

August 6, 1926 - January 21, 2022

Clara Blackstone, a matriarch, musician, teacher, and supporter of the arts, passed away peacefully at home in Calgary on Friday, January 21, 2022, at the age of 95. Her passion for music and her hometown of Calgary was only matched by her love of family and the many friends that she leaves behind. She will be remembered by the countless lives she touched as a beacon of compassion, loyalty and understanding.

Clara Blackstone was born on August 6, 1926, in Calgary to Ette and Morris Shumiatcher. Morris founded the Smithbilt Hat Company whose white cowboy hat has come to represent Calgary around the world, and Ette worked at his side for decades. Together, they were a major presence in a large family, and throughout their lives, they helped numerous other immigrant families. The importance of family and community were instilled in Clara from a young age. Clara cherished her brother, Judah, and savoured sharing stories of their childhood. They had a special and meaningful relationship that provided an endless wellspring of love and kindness that comforted Clara, even after his passing.

Clara studied at The University of Toronto where she met the love of her life, the late Judge Irwin A. Blackstone. Her beloved ‘Tooky’, considered Clara the most extraordinary person in his life and described her as an inspiration and the one who helped him shine as a lawyer, judge, and father. They had 52 loving years together.

Clara was an accomplished pianist and won the gold medal for Canada from the Royal Academy of Music in London. She later established a piano studio in Calgary, which she operated for over fifty years. She was a member and ardent supporter of a wide range of cultural institutions, including Pro Musica, The Calgary Philharmonic, The University of Calgary, The Artemisia Foundation in New York, The Honens Piano Competition and The Connection at Mount Royal University. Clara’s support of talented musicians extended to giving of herself and her exceptional ability to forge human and musical bonds. The depth of her humanity was endless. She saw the best in everyone and effortlessly exuded a cheerful serenity that was both disarming and infectious. She had a presence that could put an entire room at ease and her interactions with people were calm, measured and engaging. Clara was authentic before the pursuit of authenticity was in vogue. She was a woman of principle and character. She chose her path in life and embraced it. Her heart was open to all, and as her legacy, leaves a sprawling family of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren scattered across the globe, who are inspired by her and are all unreservedly better for having been a part of Clara’s exceptional life. She was truly a positive force. 

Clara is survived by her children, Diane Krasnow (Stephen) of Calgary and Tema Blackstone (Hung-Kuan Chen) of New York; in addition to five grandchildren, Marc Blackstone (Rikki), Jonah Kowall (Teresa), Mischa Kowall (Caroline), Jory Blackstone (Sara), and Jenny Wolfe (Colin); nine great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law Alice Waldman.

Clara and Irwin were members of Beth Tzedec Congregation. The family is grateful to her loving caregiver Mylani Arenas; her devoted friends, Margaret Dorval and Mary Fishman; and the many who stood by her side. Thank you.

A Private Burial will be held on Tuesday, January 25, 2022. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Blackstone Debate Medals at the University of Calgary.

Arrangements in care of the CHEVRA KADISHA OF CALGARY, Telephone:  403-244-4717.