In memory of Joan, Blake Higgins Cellura an artist truly extraordinaire, born January 7, 1939. From the womb she was filled with an endless passion and love of the arts. As noted on the back of one of her treasured cards,

“I am my art!”

Her talent was recognized early on as a child. One of her teachers would allow her to skip the assignments and would let her draw through class. If the teacher got to keep her artwork, she gave her a A. Her teacher kept every piece with the exception of One a rearing white stallion which is on display in her gallery.

She was raised in Hempstead Long Island by two wonderful, loving parents, Edward and Mary Higgins. She had one sweet sister, two years older MaryAnne Janssen.

Joan (Blake) married at age 16 to Richard Charles Cellura and together they had 4 children (Charlie Cellura, Deborah Kolb, KimAnna Cellura & Donna Hoefer) all, by age 21.

They moved to upstate New York in the 1950’s, and by 1968 Joan found herself left as a single parent and sole provider to raise four school-aged children. She went to night school at RIT (Rochester Institute of technology) and received her bachelors in art. While holding down two-day jobs and on weekends I remember her taking driving lessons because she did not have a driver’s license before our father left.

Her incredible talent opened doors for her to work in the advertising industry, hand drawing the weekly ads. Each one, so clever, unique and frame worthy with a style all her own. Still available for your viewing pleasure in her gallery.

In Rochester, NY she was the Art Director for Sibley’s, Nisners and McCurdy’s department store to name a few.

In 1990 she relocated to Tucson, AZ and joined the artist team for Lisa Frank. She was so excited to join the team, she said, “I feel like a kid with my first box of crayons!” Lisa’s work was fun and colorful, and each piece of artwork is a collaboration of many artists’ touches.

She loved all forms of art and dabbled in everything from hand sewing adorable matching outfits for all 4 of her children and herself, making stuffed animals, stained glass, sculptures, Macrame, porcelain dolls, acrylics, oils, watercolor paintings, pen and ink fine art drawings, card making…. you name it she did it and did it all well, truly she was a gifted artist extraordinaire! She had a unique style and natural beauty that would turn heads and she was quite fashionable.

Her talent was inherited from her father Ed Higgins, who she adored.

She is survived by her four children, Charlie Cellura (spouse Merlinda Lopez), Deborah Kolb, KimAnn Cellura and Donna Hoefer (spouse Daniel Hoefer) and grandchildren, Tessa Mauro, Tiffany Cellura, Jenna Mauro, Kasey Mauro, Anthony Cellura, Jordan Hoefer, Jesse Hoefer & Bryce Kolb.

She spent her final years in Del Norte & Alamosa Colorado under the loving care and watchful eye of her two children Charlie and KimAnna. The whole family is incredibly thankful for their devoted love.

Joan by this time, more commonly known as Blake, passed peacefully in her home and now awaits the return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

1Th 4:13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

1Th 4:14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

1Th 4:15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

1Th 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

1Th 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

1Th 4:18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Blake’s Artwork is currently on display in Del Norte at the "Peace of Art Gallery" the Life and Loar of Joan Cellura a.k.a. Blake Higgins. 728 Grande Ave Del Norte De CO 81132

Thank you KimAnna Cellura and Deborah Kolb for honoring her life and legacy in your building space.

KimAnna note:

Thank you, Donna for writing this beautiful eulogy and for all the love you always showered mother with 💕 she was blessed to have four children that loved her so much and looked after her till the end of her days.

May she rest in peace 🙏🏼❤️🙏🏼