Ilka Ebner Blackshaw

Ilka Ebner Blackshaw, born February 23,1929 in São Paulo, Brasil, passed into eternal life on June 30th, 2021, in Illinois at age 92. Ilka was one of two children born to João and Cidinha Ebner (neé Maggiano). Her brother Mauro passed in 2002. At the age of 18 she studied in England with her lifelong Friends Etty and Vivienne Fraizer. She met and married Dad (Roger Stuart Blackshaw 1924-2015) in 1952 while he was working in Brasil electrifying the Railroads, commissioned by a British Company. They had three sons: Gilbert 1953-1993 (Christina), Richard 1955 (Ann). Roger 1956 (Kathleen). Ilka was blessed with ten grandchildren: Bianca (Jason), Adam (Kristen), Graham, Colin (Amanda), Alex, Nicholas (Jessica), Kelsey, Ashley, Clayton, and Amanda. Ilka adored her thirteen great-grandchildren: Giovanni-16, Sheamus-15, Jayden-7, Zoey-7, Gianna-6, John-6, Jorie-5, Theodore-4, Dominic-4, Caleb-2, Jaxon-2, Basil-2 and McKenzie-1.

She was a great decorator, a wonderful cook, talented artist, orchid “whisperer”, and the best mom. She was one of the finest dressed women filled with elegance and grace. Even in her nineties she was still knitting caps and full sweaters for each and every great grandchild. She loved tennis and enjoyed watching all the tournaments and followed all the players, with Nadal being her favorite. She was always interested in everything everyone did and always wanted to know about you…a great conversationalist.

At one time she spoke 5 languages and played the piano. She had a passion for classical music. Ilka always left you feeling loved. She will be truly missed.

There will be a private ceremony with family only. In the near future a celebration of life or “Dead Party” as she would call it, will take place with lots of “good drinks, food, music and dancing” per her request. Date & place TBT.

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