Obituary of Sylvia Blankenship

Sylvia Shaffer was born on September 15th 1935 in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, daughter of Dr. Arthur & Martha Shaffer. She was bonded in marriage to Jan Blankenship on Sept 7th 1957. He preceded her in death in 1970.

During their marriage Mrs. Blankenship attended the Sorbonne, and Alliance, as well as studied voice, in Paris, France while Mr. Blankenship studied under the prestigious Fullbright scholarship grant for piano in 1961-1962. They traveled extensively throughout Europe and the United States while Jan successfully musically performed. She taught Music Education at University of Central Michigan and performed faculty recitals until welcoming son Kirk Jan Blankenship on October 15th, 1967. She taught privately from 1967-1970. Sylvia and Jan were blissfully married for 13 years. Sylvia Shaffer received the coveted George Eastman Scholarship, and was awarded her Bachelor of Music in 1957, and Masters of Music Education from Eastman in 1959. She went on to obtain her Master of Arts in Education from the University of Rochester in 1961. Sylvia was President of the Lock Haven Music Club, and went on to hold office of Vice President of the Pennsylvania Federations of Music Clubs. She continued to teach piano and voice privately, and was an active Church Organist and Choir Director in Lock Haven.

She is survived by her son Kirk Jan Blankenship, 49, and daughter-in-law Simone Johanson-Byrd, 46.

Sylvia taught not only music, but she instilled wisdom in her son that he has carried into adulthood. One that almost cannot be explained but has to be demonstrated; music is everywhere, it is a part of your soul, and you will always have it with you. Sylvia, we love you. Forever. And the music plays on.