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Ethel Grace Blackwell, age 95, of Lewiston died Sunday, March 24, 2024, at Niagara Hospice House in Lockport. She was born July 29, 1928, in Mildmay, Ontario, the daughter of the late Charles and Oleva (Schmidt) Jasper and they moved to Lewiston shortly thereafter. Ethel attended Stella Niagara where she became an accomplished pianist in her teenage years. She memorized the Mozart Concerto, which was fifty-four pages, and played it at a recital with one of her teachers. After High School she received a music scholarship to Rosary College in Buffalo.She was a church organist and pianist at the Forestview Church of God for many years. She subsequently was the organist at many area churches, including Calgary Lutheran. She learned to master the pipe organ and there were many memorable moments in which her daughters would watch her practice in awe. She also played at many weddings and funerals and taught piano in her home.Ethel's biggest enjoyment was when she transformed her music career in the 1960's by playing piano at many area entertainment venues such as Schrafts, Lotitos, The Park Hotel, as well as many places in Niagara Falls, Ontario, and Niagara on the Lake. She was in her heyday at this time and developed a faithful and enthusiastic following. Ethel was known for her glamour, beautiful smile, and sensational piano music. She developed a strong sense of independence and was bursting with pride when she bought her first new car with her earnings.She raised her four children and continued to reside in Lewiston. In the 1970's she frequented The Coat of Arms in Lewiston where she listened to her friend Jerry D'Amico and his jazz band. Ethel always enjoyed listening to other musicians perform, often noting what key a piece was in and would critique the music as only a fellow musician could. Ethel loved country music, jazz, classical and gospel to name a few. In her later years one of her most enjoyable activities was being driven by her caretakers along the river and marveling at its' beauty.She was a devoted and hardworking mother and will be remembered fondly by all who knew and appreciated her.Ethel is survived by her children, Jeff (Patti) Blackwell, Sandy Blackwell Yates, and Sharon Blackwell; six grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. She was predeceased by a loving son, Robert Blackwell and a brother, Charles Douglas Jasper.Friends may call at HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, N. Fourth & Ridge Sts., Lewiston on Wednesday, April 3, from 10:30 to 11:30 am. Funeral services will follow at 11:30 am in the funeral home with the Rev. Ronald Maines officiating. Interment will be in Riverdale Cemetery, Lewiston. .

Family/Spouse: BLACKWELL, William Herbert. William (son of BLACKWELL, John W and Eva J) was born on 29 Mar 1926 in Niagara Falls, Niagara County, NY; died on 6 Jun 1968 in Niagara Falls Memorial Hospital, Niagara Falls, Niagara County, NY. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: YATES. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Patti. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

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Posted: Friday, October 16, 2015 12:30 pm


Robert M. Blackwell, 63, from Lewiston, NY, went to his heavenly home on October 11, 2015. Born in Niagara Falls on April 25, 1952, he was the son of Ethel and William H. Blackwell. He is survived by his mother, his loving sisters, Sandy Blackwell Yates and Sharon Blackwell of Texas; and his brother, Jeff Blackwell, also of Texas.

Robert was a bright student, but after attending local schools he became a victim in a tragic incident as a young man and endured many surgeries. He was employed by the Town of Lewiston Highway Department, and as a house painter, and seasonal worker, until recurrent health issues kept him mainly at home.

Because of his keen intelligence, broad interests, and lively curiosity, Robert succeeded in living a full and interesting life. A bibliophile, he kept notebooks on different lexicons and scrapbooked articles on health, science, the visual arts, archeology, paleontology, history, and pre-classical antiquity. He was proficient in Bible studies, and a collector, accumulating many books, local artifacts, and vinyl records. His mother was a professional pianist and organist, and Robert, who also loved music, said his favorite composition was Mendelssohn's Piano Concerto. No 1 in G minor. He admired Robert Kennedy, Martin Luther King and the late Walter Roemer, a science teacher at Lewiston-Porter High School. His greatest passion, though, was hiking in the Devils Hole Park, where he spent countless hours appreciating the beauty and grandeur of the Niagara Gorge.

Family members and friends will remember him fondly for his integrity, strong faith, generosity and humor. A Celebration of Life Memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Lewiston on October 23, 2015 at 11 AM.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, Lewiston, NY, Lewiston Fire Dept#1, The Fire Hall, 145 N. Sixth Street, Lewiston, NY 14092, Niagara Hospice, Inc., 4675 Sunset Drive, Lockport, NY 14094-1231.