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Blaise Ribet Obituary
February 3, 1962
April 10, 2012
Resident of Alameda
Blaise died at home in Alameda, California, at age 50, after a year long battle with brain cancer. Words cannot express the loss we feel at her passing.
Wife, daughter, sister, and dear friend - she was loved by us all for her uniqueness, creativity, keen mind, sharp wit, generosity, optimism, honesty, and joie de vivre.
She was born and raised in London, attended St. Paul's Girls School and graduated from City University London in 1985 with a BSc first class in Mathematics and Computer Science. She moved to San Francisco in early 1992, and has since lived in the Bay Area. It is in the US that she built her life as she wanted it - her husband, her friends, her career, her hobbies, and her home - full of love given and received.
She is survived by husband Stewart Wilson, mother Oonagh, and brothers Samuel and Steven Ribet.
Blaise received a liver transplant in 1987, and was acutely aware she could have a shorter life. She never complained, and this lit a fire under her already considerable passion to experience what life had to offer. She loved people intensely and made friends easily.
She also travelled extensively, and loved socializing, fine food, books, movies, music, art, and computers.
Her professional life was characterized by her extreme modesty about her abilities, but she excelled in her chosen field and was admired by her colleagues. She worked for Oracle, Ingres, and Telecom Gold.
Over the past year Blaise received an amazing amount of support from her wide circle of generous friends, for which she was extremely grateful.
Friends and family are invited to a memorial service on Friday, April 20th at 11 a.m. at Christ Episcopal Church in
Alameda, CA.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to your favorite charity, or to the San Francisco Food Bank.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Blaise Ribet
Sponsored by Her Loving Husband, Stewart.
Dave Ally
November 23, 2016
I first met Blaise at city university, she was such a humorous young lady. I then met her again when we worked at ingres together and she hadn't changed.
I'm saddened by her short life but i know that she brought a lot of happiness to people around her. My prayers go to her family, she will be greatly missed.
Christine McDonald
April 6, 2013
Paris will always be such a fun time, so long ago but still so fresh, all of us in one studio, what a Christmas that was, Blaise organising us as ever, totally on the moment and such fun, Blaise was a truly unique and wonderful individual, whom I have not communicated with since the Early Eighties, and just did a search, and found out! Love and support to her family
Michael Evans
August 23, 2012
Many of my fondest memories are of working at Ingres, and many of my fondest memories of working at Ingres were with Blaise. She will truly be missed. My best wishes to her family, and especially to Stewart.
Miranda Mowbray
June 18, 2012
Blaise was original, funny, kind, and courageous. Her warmth will stay with me.
My sympathy goes to her family and everyone who knew her well.
Jackie Clarke
May 18, 2012
Ní fheicfimid a leithéid arís. I worked with Blaise in London and she was such a fun, happy person. She came to our wedding in Ireland after her liver transplant. I will always remember that she was related to Daniel O'Connell and perhaps that was why she had such an affinity with us. So sad
Pam Gamer
April 28, 2012
Blaise was a unique individual who was so respected and admired. She was fun to work with and had great technical skills that she was always willing to share with colleagues. I am honored to have known her.
April 26, 2012
Didn't get a chance to meet up with Blaise since school days - but remember her fondly. I remember her as very funny and quietly very clever. We used to laugh a lot - even in Physics lessons (which for me were a constant mystery, but for Blaise were a piece of cake!). My thoughts are with her husband and her family.
Amy (Liverpool, UK)
Kathy Brown
April 25, 2012
Blaise was a memorable colleague that always brought positive energy into the room. She will be missed.
Suzana Seban
April 20, 2012
So sorry to hear! Wish I had known what she was going through. What a warm and beautiful person she was! My memories of Blaise include her annual organization of the "Salvation Army Angels" program (matching families in need with donors), in which I was able to participate for a number of years, made easy through her efforts and generosity.
My thoughts are with Stewart and the family. So sorry for your loss...
Olivia Dillan
April 20, 2012
Blaise understood what life is about and she truly had a joie de vivre! Her passing is so sad.....
Ann
April 20, 2012
My deepest sympathy and condolences for the loss of your dear Blaise. Take comfort in knowing that she is in God's memory and will awaken again one day.
Until that time, may the memories of the wonderful times spent with her bring you peace.
Nancy Wakeman
April 20, 2012
Blaise, honey, you will be missed....
Charlotte Jernigan
April 20, 2012
Blaise was an unforgettable colleague -- I moved from CA so have not seen her in more than 15+ years but I recall her vividly just as you described her. My condolences to those close to her who have to let her journey onward. I know you will miss her presence.
Richard Troy
April 20, 2012
I will long remember pub-crawling in London with Blaise.... Wish I'd have known about her battle for life this past year. She has certainly died way too young.
Paul Holman
April 20, 2012
Terrible news ! I remember Blaise well from her time in Chelsea in her days at Ingres. I shall miss her wisdom and humour.
Jeanne Wakeman
April 19, 2012
Such a delightful, special lady! Blaise will be missed by her many friends. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.
Miranda Bonham-Carter
April 18, 2012
So happy to have been young and foolish with you Blaise honey, and so sad not to be going to be old and wise with you. With many happy, silly and comforting memories and a lot of love, Miranda OXO
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