Jean Steffan Blackstone

Jean Steffan Blackstone of Palm Desert, Calif. passed away peacefully on October 26, 2009. She was born in Freeport, Ill. on June 24, 1913, the only child of Albert and Bernice Steffan. Jean attended Hollywood High School and graduated with highest honors. In addition she became a student of both classical music and dance. At an early age she was a favorite in the piano circuit. Her star performances of Franz Liszt's "St. Francis Walking on the Water" and Paderewski's "Polonaise" were among her sons' favorites and are well remembered. After spending one year at Stanford University, she married James H. Blackstone Jr. and became an active and effective pastor's wife both musically and socially. In 1946, the family moved to Palm Springs, where the couple served the Palm Springs Community Church until 1974, when Dr. Blackstone retired. Their move to Vista, Calif., allowed him to serve the Carlsbad Community Church until 1988, at which time they returned to the desert they loved, and resided at The Fountains at the Carlotta in Palm Desert. Jean will be greatly missed by her family and friends. She is survived by her two sons, James H. Blackstone III and Richard M. Blackstone, together with many grandchildren, great- grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by daughter, Bonnie Jean Runcorn in 1989. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 3:00 PM, Sunday, November 8, 2009 at The Carlotta, 41505 Carlotta Dr., Palm Desert, (760) 346-5420.