Auburn, Maine — There is an old saying that there is nothing like a mother’s love. My wife, Allison W. Blackman (34), encompassed the very essence of this passage. Her undeniable love of our two beautiful little girls, Zoe E. Blackman (6) and Karly J. Blackman (1) was obvious to anyone that knew her. A truly beautiful soul with a contagious smile that lit up every room she entered. Many can attest that she always put others before herself. She loved life, her family and her friends.

Born in Hanover, N.H., to Timothy and Jennifer Kerl, she was a northern New Englander in every sense of the phrase. The outside was her playground, especially in the winter. First tracks on a snow covered mountain were her passion, her skis marking the mountain side like a painter on canvas. She taught ski lessons from her preteen years through college, raced through high school, and volunteered countless hours for the National Ski Patrol over the course of 16 years. Nothing made her smile like winter’s first snowfall. 

I met Allison in Boston where we both attended Wentworth Institute of Technology, graduating with a bachelor’s of science in Architectural Engineering. While Boston was fun, it wasn't close enough to her roots. We settled in Auburn, Maine, where we married and started our family. 

Her outgoing and charismatic personality drew many to her, touching so many people in the community. From paint nights over a glass of wine with friends, a lunch time walk to chat, or running half marathons as a challenge, she was always so much fun to be around. She always lent a shoulder to cry on, support to those in need, or a chuckle to brighten a mood. Helping people is who she was, not what she did. 

As Allison's husband, her passing has left a void in my heart that can never be filled. While I struggle to comprehend life for me and the girls without her, I cherish that she was confident enough to choose me as their Dad. I want her to know that I will remain strong for her, and the girls will know their mother as if she were still here with us. I will forever be grateful that she shared her life with me. 

Her passing on Friday, Nov. 18, 2016, was preceded by Allison's Papa Jerry, Grandpa Don and Uncle Ethan. She is survived by her husband, Jeffery Blackman and their two daughters, her parents, grandmothers, a sister, cousins, nieces and nephews, uncle and aunts, her in-laws and countless friends and colleagues in the community. 

There will be a celebration of Allison's life at Storrs Hill Ski Area, 60 Spring St. Lebanon, N.H., on Saturday Dec. 17, beginning at 2 p.m.. Being a social butterfly, she loved dinner gatherings so please plan on bringing a dish to share as we exchange stories, laugh and maybe cry a little over some tasty food. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a scholarship fund being created in her name. This fund will help teach children to ski that may not otherwise be able to afford the experience and thrill of carving a tum down a snow covered slope. Her legacy on the mountain shall live on forever.

Donations can be made to https://www.gofundme.com/blackman-family or by mailing a check to Jeffery Blackman, Lost Valley Ski Area, 200 Lost Valley Rd. Auburn, ME 04210. 

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