Irene Blackburn

Irene Blackburn, age 97, of Holland, passed away, Tuesday, March 15 2011 at Hospice House of Holland, after a long but courageous battle with cancer.

She was a member of Evergreen Commons, volunteering there for over 19 years.

Irene was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Forrest "Jake" Blackburn on August 16, 2009 and a son-in-law, Edwin Pelon on August 21, 2007.

She is survived by her children, Larry and Marilyn Blackburn of Holland, Don and Bonnie Blackburn of Irons, Gloria Pelon of Zeeland, Karen and Paul Kleis of Holland, Jack and Karen Blackburn of Lansing, and Bill Blackburn of Irons; 16 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren, and 1 great great granddaughter; sister-in-law, Helen Nance of Mendota, IL; two very special nieces, Roberta and Bob Carter and Roberta Northcutt all of Illinois.

Funeral services will be 1 pm Friday at the Dykstra Funeral Homes, Mulder Chapel, 188 West 32nd Street, Holland, MI, with the Rev. Harly Koehn officiating.

Burial will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Holland, Tulip Tree Fund.

The family would like to thank the staff at Hospice House of Holland for their special care of our mother.