Miriam C. Blackmer

Miriam C. Blackmer passed away peacefully in the early morning of March 9, 2018, after a long and fruitful life dedicated to her family, her church and her community. She never passed up an opportunity for service and there was always room for one more at her table. Even people who met Miriam after dementia had taken hold could see her grace and charm. Miriam touched many lives and the world is a better place for having had her in it.

Born in 1927 to Grace S. and Albert G. Corless, she lived her entire life in Wilmington and Hockessin. She graduated from P.S. DuPont High School in 1945 and earned a B.S. in primary education from the University of Pennsylvania in 1948. She was a teacher and director for several years at the family business, Corless Kindergarten and could effortlessly wrangle a room full of 5-year-olds into rapt attention. Miriam later earned a master’s degree in human relations from the University of Delaware.

Miriam joined Hillcrest-Bellefonte United Methodist Church as a teenager. She was active in the church and in Methodist youth programs. The Methodist spirit of service was manifest in two of the highlights of her young life: a stay at the World Council of Churches Workcamp throughout the summer of 1950 at the College Cevenol in France and a trip to Japan in 1951 under the auspices of the International Christian University as a goodwill ambassador representing 70,000 Protestant young people from the U.S. and Canada. Miriam was also the President of the Peninsula Conference Youth Council in 1951. Over the years, she has served her home church in a number of capacities: singing in the choir, teaching Sunday school, serving with the Women’s Society and serving on church governance committees. Her quiet faith informed her actions and relationships throughout her life.

In 1952 at the Washington Street YMCA, Miriam met Randall Blackmer, a young civil engineer from Massachusetts. They were married in 1955 and remained devoted to each other for life. They moved to Hockessin with their two daughters in 1971. Miriam was active in the Hockessin Community Club, the Delaware State Federation of Women’s Clubs, the Center for the Creative Arts, as well as other civic organizations. She volunteered to help with the Wilmington Flower Market Clothes Horse and was soon in charge. When the Flower Market decided not to continue the effort, Miriam distributed much of the inventory to charities around Wilmington and moved the racks and remaining inventory to Hillcrest-Bellefonte Church. With the help of several intrepid volunteers, she started the “New to You” shop as a clothing ministry to the community, spending many joyful hours there.

Miriam is survived by her beloved husband Randall, daughters Kathryn and Gale, son-in-law Edward, granddaughters Carol and Colleen.

Her funeral service will be held on Friday, March 16 at 11:00am at Hillcrest-Bellefonte United Methodist Church, 400 Hillcrest Avenue, Wilmington, DE 19809. Friends and family are welcome to visit prior to the funeral service starting at 10:00 am. Following the service, interment will be held at Hockessin Friends Meeting House.

Memorial contributions in Miriam’s honor can be made to Hillcrest-Bellefonte United Methodist Church.

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Funeral Services

Friday, March 16, 2018 at Hillcrest-Bellefonte United Methodist Church, 400 Hillcrest Avenue, Wilmington, DE 19809

Visitation from 10:00 to 11:00 am

Funeral service at 11:00 am

Interment will be held at Hockessin Friends Meeting House

Condolences

Ashley Lauren writes,

Dear family of Miriam, I want to offer my sincere condolences for your loss. It can be extremely difficult to cope with the loss of a loved one. I hope you find true comfort in these hard times (2 Corinthians 1:3,4).

03/12/2018 08:16 am

Mary Julian writes,

I worked with Miriam on school committies when she lived in Hockessin. She was always calm and helpful.A very nice lady. RIP . Mary DiVirgilio Julian

03/12/2018 09:28 am

Sally Paff lit a candle and writes,

I, unfortunately did not have the great honor of meeting Miriam, but feel like I know her via my relationship with her daughter, Gale. Gale and I have been friends for many years and she always speaks so highly of her parents. I did not know all the wonderful and charitable things that Miriam had did in her life until I read this lovely tribute. I know this has been a long and difficult journey for Gale, her Father, and the family with Miriam's decline in her health and onset of dementia. I can only attest to the love I've seen in Gale for her family and that speaks volumes to me. My prayers and condolences to Gale, her Father (whom she adores), her Sister, Brother-in-law, and her adored nieces. It is never easy to lose someone we love so dearly. My heart aches for your loss and my prayers and thoughts are will you all. Miriam is probably looking down with a smile and finally at peace.

03/12/2018 09:55 am

Ms. Kim Markling lit a candle and writes,

Granddaughter Colleen, My deepest sympathies go out to you, your family and extended family. May God give you the peace that you seek. One more star will light the sky at night and light your way as she did while here on earth with you. I feel fortunate you shared the love you have for her with me. I see a lot of you in her picture. And, I found so much of you in the tribute. Often God takes one and gives us another. You are down a path with Ian that will bring you many new blessings and I have no doubt Grandma Miriam is proud and will be with you all along your journey. Blessings of peace, Colleen.

03/12/2018 01:57 pm

Cynthia Heldt MD writes,

Dear Blackmer family- It was my great priviledge to be Mrs Blackmer's physician over much of the last 30 years- and to watch her work her magic in the community especially at the Clothes Horse. She was a student of her conditions, attending workshops in Boston to learn about some of her health concerns early on. She was a tireless worker for good and God at the Clothes Horse-where I donated and purchased stuff for my rapidly growing kids. She loved the choir, she was dedicated to her family and helping others. As much as she would not have wanted to be dependent on others, as she needed you, your love and dedication to her care was truly inspiring. I hope you can find some peace in knowing that her's was truly a life well lived. Sincerely , Cindy Heldt

03/12/2018 10:01 pm

Sara Augustine writes,

I worked with Miriam in coordinating the Clothes Horse when it was on the Emily P. Bissell Hospital campus. She was always so friendly and gracious under sometimes trying circumstances. It was a pleasure to have known her. Sincere condolences to her family.

03/13/2018 11:49 am

Sue Franck writes,

It was a pleasure to work with Miriam Blackmer at Hockessin Community News. She was blessed with a sharp mind, keen insight and a great sense of humor. Rest in peace.

03/13/2018 02:38 pm

Dorothy Foster writes,

Randy and family, Both you and Miriam were as lucky as Sam and I to be wed for many years.Sam departed in June so now we comfort ourselves with those precious years.I am still holding into 710 last of the original Walnut Hillers. My heartfelt thoughts to you at this time.Dottie Foster

03/18/2018 08:41 pm

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