Cynthia Blankenship

Cynthia Blankenship, beloved wife and mother, passed away on Oct 19, 2022. She was born in New Jersey to Fred and Nancy Ackerly. She and her younger brother James grew up in Roscoe, NY. She attended William Smith College, where she graduated with a degree in English. Cynthia was also active in theater, acting in numerous productions in college and later at the University of Virginia. Upon graduation she began teaching English in Grahamsville, NY. One of her fellow English teachers was Alan Blankenship, whom she married in 1962. Cynthia and Alan became lifelong soulmates for the next 60 years, raising two children, son Christopher and daughter Kate. Cynthia earned a master's degree in English literature at CU, after which she taught at Fairview High School from the early 1970's until 1982. During that time she was greatly admired and respected by her fellow teachers and her students. Cynthia began her second career in 1982 as proprietor of a women's clothing store. Her first store was BDF Reflections, where she partnered with two close friends, Janneli Dart and Sigrid Farwell. After about ten years on the Pearl Street Mall, she opened The Studio, Comfortable Women's Fashion. She loved helping women look their best, and in the process she developed many lasting friendships with her customers over 25 years in business. She was voted Business Woman of the Year in 2001. Cynthia was well-suited to both of her careers because she loved people. She relished helping others and took great delight in their success. Cynthia loved books and was an avid reader. She was clever and quick-witted, and rarely at a loss for words. In retirement she enjoyed her book club, bridge groups and her gourmet group. Cynthia was a wonderful, warm hearted woman who will be greatly missed by her family, close friends and the community of which she was a vibrant part. A celebration of her life will be held Sunday, February 26 from 2 to 4 at the Barcelona House at Boulder's St. Ambrose Church in Spanish Hills.