Gwendolyn (“Gwen”) Blackman was born on Sept. 15, 1956 in New Haven to her loving parents Vester and Amanda Blackman. She passed away on July 29, 2023.
She graduated from Hillhouse High School (Class of 1974) and majored in psychology at Wesleyan University (Class of 1978). After college, she worked as a Social Worker for the Department of Social Services.
Gwen was the quintessential big sister. As the oldest of seven children, she was like a second mother to her younger siblings. She fiercely maintained the standards set by her parents and grandparents, and in her own way, made sure her siblings followed suit.
Gwen had loving and loyal friends. Together they joined the Phoenix Drill Team and formed a band called Uni-Funk plus 4. Somehow, she convinced her strict father to allow her to hold band practice in the basement of the family home.
She was predeceased by her parents. She is survived by her six siblings, Michael Blackman (Deborah), Sallie Blackman-Chandler (Timothy), Kenneth Blackman, Steven Blackman, Veronica Blackman-Gill (Andres) and Monica Blackman-Smith (Anthony), twenty-one nieces and nephews, three great nieces and nephews and one great-great niece.
Gwendolyn’s life will be celebrated on Thursday, August 10 th at 11:00 am at McClam Funeral Home, 95 Dixwell Avenue, New Haven.