Blanche Vanis

On Tuesday, June 22, 2021, Blanche A. Vanis of Shaker Heights, devoted daughter, loving sister, adventurous aunt, and kind caretaker passed away peacefully in Cleveland at age 87.

Blanche was born on September 29, 1933 in Cleveland, Ohio.  She received her liberal arts degree from Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania in 1954.  As an acclaimed award-winning silversmith jewelry designer, Blanche created timeless and unique pieces working at Potter Mellon, the landmark metalworking and custom jewelry studio in Cleveland.  Blanche ignited her passion for creating in her students while teaching at The Cleveland Institute of Art. When Blanche was not designing, she was gaining inspiration through traveling the world visiting churches and museums, hiking The Emerald Necklace, Contra dancing with favorite friends, and swimming in the closest body of water she discovered.

Blanche was preceded in death by her father, Joseph Karl Vanis, her mother, Nina Vanis, and her siblings; Karl Vanis, Marian Vanis, Joseph Vanis, and George Vanis.  She is survived by her six nieces: Debbie Nicolov, Laurie Bushell, Michelle Haan, Dawn Vanis, April Hennington, and Valerie Yielding, and one nephew, David Vanis, and a beloved friend, Mary Ellen Miller. A celebration of life will occur later this summer with a date and time to be determined.  In lieu of flowers, kindly consider donating to Charity Water ( https://www.charitywater.org/donate ).  A celebration of Blanch's life will be held at a date and time to be determined.  Please check back in the future for service updates.