Irene Onest Blackburn

Irene O. Blackburn, 81, of Stone Mountain, Georgia, died at Odyssey Hospice on November 8, 2012, after a brief illness. Irene was born December 25, 1930, in Cranesville, PA. She graduated from Albion High School in 1947. She worked as a secretary at General Electric in Erie, PA. She married Frederick Blackburn on June 1, 1957. Irene and Fred enjoyed 45 years of marriage until Fred died in 2002. He was the love of her life. Not only a mother and homemaker, Irene had many gifts that she shared with family and friends! She was a great cook and baker, especially known for her holiday cookies. She enjoyed a life-long love for bowling, being active in leagues wherever she lived. She acted as league secretary and was a founder of the Fred and Irene Blackburn Mixed bowling league at Tucker Bowling Center. She also enjoyed sewing, needlework and shopping. Her faith life was extremely important to her and carried her through good times and bad. She shared her many gifts by singing in church choirs, teaching Sunday School, playing in bell choir, serving as Church Council secretary, publishing monthly newsletters and being active in Women of the ELCA. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, John and Carol Blackburn of Utica, NY, and son, Charles P. Blackburn of Stone Mountain, GA, granddaughters, Karen Mannella of Monaca, PA, and Katie and Cliff DeRosia of Utica, NY, and nieces and nephews, especially nieces Debbie Parzych and Becky Jackson of Michigan. She is predeceased by her husband, Fred, parents, Peter and Anna Onest, brothers, William and John Onest, and sister, Marie Parzych. Calling hours will be on Thursday, November 15, 2012, 6 to 8 pm, at A.S Turner and Sons, 2773 North Decatur Road, Decatur, GA. Funeral service will be held Friday, November 16, 2012, at 5 pm, at Rock of Ages Lutheran Church, 5135 Memorial Drive, Stone Mountain, GA 30083. The Rev. Randy Palm will officiate. The family would like to thank all those that cared for Irene during her illness and the friends who visited and sent their wishes to her, especially Pastor Randy Palm for all his help and support. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Rock of Ages Lutheran Church, 5135 Memorial Drive, Stone Mountain, GA 30083.



Funeral Home:
A.S. Turner
2773 N. Decatur Road
Decatur, GA
30033