Mary Blacker was a British singer-songwriter, who was born in Manchester in 1912. She died of a heart attack at the age of 36 in 2009. Her husband, Jonathan Stewart Cavendish, passed away at the age of 76 on September 17, 2010. Despite the sad news, her life was a joy, with many successful recordings to her name. Throughout her life, she was praised for her talents, even by a famous song writer.
Lady Doris Blacker
When Lady Doris Blacker was alive she was a well known figure in British history. Her grandfather was Sir Robert Peel, Prime Minister and founder of the police force. After his death she took up her inheritance and went about her public life, including a stint as Mayoress of Westminster. She had a house in Steep Marsh, and in her lifetime had the chance to visit HMS MERCURY, a Navy ship that had been dubbed the best signal school in the world.
She was also a member of the Petersfield Rural Council. During her time in office, she was a magistrate, a member of the London Juvenile Court and a county councillor. During the second World War, Coldhayes was used as a WWI hospital, and was the home of many celebrities.
Jonathan Stewart Cavendish
Jonathan Stewart Cavendish is a British independent film producer, and member of the Cavendish family. He is most famous for his work on films including Bridget Jones’s Baby, Elizabeth: The Golden Age and Breathe.
Jonathan was born in Nairobi, Kenya and graduated from Oxford University. After his studies he joined the Little Bird Productions. In 1983 he moved to England where he was involved in several TV and film projects.
Jonathan became a film producer, with his first movie produced in December Bride. It won the European Film Award in 1990. A second movie, Ordinary Decent Criminal, was produced in 1999. Other movies include Nothing Personal and Into the West.
As a child, he developed an interest in poetry. He later worked in a racing business at the Molecomb in Goodwood, Hampshire.
Polio-infected son
Polio was a big deal in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands during the late nineteenth century. The first polio cases were recorded in the small rural town of Elspeet, a few miles west of Amsterdam. There were 110 reported cases.
One of the most exciting developments was the nascent polio laboratory network. This led to a connection between the Netherlands and North American outbreaks. In particular, a study by Dr. Harrie van der Avoort in Bilthoven, the Netherlands found that one of the oldest known examples of polio, that of a young child from the Netherlands, was actually transmitted to him through a needle from an unvaccinated American child.
Another noteworthy development was the use of a spigot mortar. This was used in anti-tank weaponry.
Early life
The early life of Diana Mary Blacker is not well known. Her parents, Latham Valentine Stewart Blacker and Lady Doris Peel, are both authors. They also have three siblings. Their profession and net worth are not disclosed.
In her younger years, Mary worked as a volunteer at the local schools. She was also interested in stained glass and theater. She was passionate about storytelling. These interests influenced her later career.
The family moved to Steep Marsh, a small town in Hampshire, around 1943. This is where they lived for several years.
The Blacker family is an interesting one. Their account of their lives was given to the Steep History Group. While there, they lived in a house called Coldhayes.
After the Second World War, the family moved to Oak Hanger in Liss. They then purchased a large property, Garston Farm, in East Meon.
Obituary
The best and most comprehensive obituary of Mary Blacker of Pasadena, California would be difficult to compile as she was a multi-faceted woman whose career spanned many decades. Until her recent health concerns, she was an active member of the local community. She was also a well-read and intelligent lady. Her husband, Lot, preceded her to the Great Beyond in 1911. During her time in Pasadena, she maintained a steady stream of friends and family and was a proud mother of eight. Throughout her lifetime, she also made several trips to her native Ireland. Upon her return, she was awarded the Irish citizenship. Eventually, she settled in the San Francisco Bay area. In later years, she moved to Walla Walla, Washington, where she died in 2011.
She was an octagenerian by choice, and left behind a plethora of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In addition to her numerous awards and accolades, she also left a legacy of philanthropy. For instance, in 2003, she donated a significant portion of her estate to the Pacific Northwest Foundation for Children and Youth. This organization has been known to award grants and scholarship funds to children with special needs.
