Eleanor S. Blackburn

BLACKBURN - Eleanor S. Passed away peacefully on March 23, 2019 at the age of 97. Beloved wife of the late Paul Blackburn; loving mother of Carole (James) Manhardt; cherished grandmother, step-grandmother and great-grandmother; survived by her brother Philip (late Cricket) Smithers, predeceased by her sister Muriel (late Robert) Leboeuf and brother, Harry (late Agnes) Smithers. Born in rural Upstate New York, she spent her early years on a dairy farm with morning barn chores before school, and Saturdays washing the chimneys from kerosene lamps. She belonged to the 4H and won 1st place at the NY State Fair with her prize heifer. After graduating from a business institute, she moved to Buffalo where she worked as an executive secretary for several companies, retiring from Blaw Knox in 1986. Known as the Mother of Internationals at Buffalo State College, she first volunteered as a host family in 1971. BSC established the Eleanor Blackburn International Alumni Scholarship in 1992 to encourage and aid selected students with their education. Eleanor spent countless hours helping the internationals settle in at Buffalo State, taking them shopping, to appts., or even ER visits, arranged tours and organized activities to introduce them to our American culture. She will long be remembered for her deep faith and love, her incredible memory and interest in all those she met, her continuous search for the foods and supplements that promote good health, and being up-to-date on current events and well-read on the past. "Better to wear out than rust out" was how she described her non-stop energy and devotion to family, friends, students and internationals. Every Christmas Eve, each family received a tray of homemade cookies; she made apple pie for our special dinners even at age 97! She is so sadly missed by her family and friends while we rejoice for her heavenly reunion. Flowers are gratefully declined. If you would like to contribute to the Eleanor Blackburn Alumni Scholarship, donations may be made to Buffalo State College Foundation Office, Eleanor Blackburn Alumni Scholarship Fund, Cleveland Hall, Room 305, 1300 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14222. A Memorial Service will be held on April 27, 2019, at 12:00 noon, at the Knox Presbyterian Church, 2595 Elmwood Avenue, Kenmore, NY 14217.