March 30, 1959 – March 14, 2026
Colleen Nora Blackney, age 66, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2026, surrounded by her family at her nearly lifelong home in Claymont, Delaware.
The beloved youngest daughter of F. Neale and Marita (née Grogan) Blackney, Colleen was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on March 30, 1959, and was the eighth of nine children. She was a proud graduate of Claymont High School, Class of 1977, and earned her bachelor’s degree from High Point University in North Carolina, where she formed lifelong friendships as a member of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority. Colleen went on to build a successful career in the pharmaceutical industry, specializing in excipient product sales with companies including ICI, SPI Polyols, SPI Pharma, and Qualicaps.
Throughout her life, Colleen was known for her unwavering devotion and generosity to her large family and wide circle of friends. She was a bright light in every room she entered, and in her company, strangers quickly became friends.
In addition to her parents, Colleen was predeceased by her brothers Richard, Michael, David, Terrence, and Jeffrey; her nephew David Kevin; her great-nephew, also David Kevin; and her great-great-niece, Gabriella.
She is survived by her siblings Patricia Painter, Brian Blackney (Nancy), and Kevin Blackney (Barbara Kraus-Blackney); her beloved sisters-in-law Donna, Barbara, and Kathy; eleven nieces and nephews; and more than twenty great-nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at Harry’s Savoy Grill (2020 Naamans Road in Wilmington, Delaware) on Friday, April 17, at 11:00 a.m., followed by a luncheon. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Penn Ovarian Cancer Research Center or Waggies by Maggie & Friends.
For online condolences visit: www.mccreryandharra.com
