Clarissa Block

Clarissa Block, age 50, passed away in New York City following a brief and brave fight with cancer; she was blessed to be surrounded by her children, close friends and family. Clarissa came into the world in Santa Fe on Good Friday, March 27, 1964, and left on Holy Saturday, April 19, 2014. Clarissa is survived by her children Anastasia, age 11, and Cassius, age 7; mother Eloisa Luna Block; brothers Joseph and Dina, Jerome and wife Patsy, Jackie, Jeff, John Block III; sisters Sophie and husband Dan Bertrand, Jovanna and husband Raymond Whitehead, Angela and husband Joseph Lobato; and godchildren Lilliana Luna Nelson, Salome Block and Annemarie Whalen. Clarissa is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and countless friends. Clarissa was preceded in death by her father John Block Jr.; grandparents Tomas and Ricarda G. Luna, John and Sophia Block, J. Ramon and Frances DeSalas Salazar; and brother Jimmy Block. Clarissa attended Santa Fe High and graduated magna cum laude from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. She pursued an accomplished career in fashion that allowed her to travel the world. Most recently Clarissa worked closely with fashion designer Donna Karan. Clarissa treasured her children Anastasia and Cassius who were the center of her life. She was a free-spirit who lived her life with gratitude and optimism and engaged others with love and encouragement and celebrated life through humor, compassion, courage, meditation and yoga. Clarissa had recently completed certification as a practitioner and teacher in Jivamukti yoga. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at noon on Friday, May 2, 2014, at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi in Santa Fe. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made at: http://www.youcaring.com/other/benefiting-clarissa-s-children-anastasia-cassius-block/167827. This obituary is protected by copyright laws, unauthorized use or duplication is prohibited.