Cynthia Fisher Blank, 89, died peacefully at her home in Manhattan, on March 4, 2015 following a stroke. She was the widow of Dr. Sanford Blank, a thoracic surgeon to whom she was happily married for 62 years.
Born on March 5, 1925, the daughter of Rose and Irwin Fisher of New York City, Mrs. Blank attended Friends Seminary, graduating in the Class of 1940. She received a BA degree from Western Reserve University in 1944, and attended Salmon P. Chase College of Law in Cincinnati, Ohio graduating first in her class in 1956 with a J.D. degree. Later she earned an LL.M degree from New York University, Class of 1973.
Mrs. Blank became the first woman partner in the law firm of Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP in Cincinnati, Ohio specializing in Estate Planning and Taxation. She worked there for over 20 years prior to her retirement in 1988. Before working at the Taft firm, she served as Director of the Domestic Relations Court of Hamilton County under Judge Paul George. While in Cincinnati, she lived with her husband and daughters in Clifton.
After her retirement, Mrs. Blank and her husband moved to Fishers Island where they enjoyed many wonderful years with their family and friends. An avid reader, knitter and hiker, Mrs. Blank was a familiar sight walking the East End Road on her daily treks into town.
She is survived by her brother Wendell Fisher of New York City, two daughters, Claudia Marks of New York, and Leslie Tombari and her husband Paul of Fishers Island, and three grandchildren, Robert Marks, Daniel Marks, and Meris Enright.
There will be a private burial on Fishers Island. The Thomas L. Neilan and Sons Funeral Home in New London, CT is in charge of the arrangements. Donations in her memory may be made to Opengate, Inc. 357 Main Street, Armonk, New York 10504, Attn: Pat Gundersen.
