Obituary of Irena V. Blackburn

Irena was a devoted wife, mother,  MiMi, friend, and nurse. She passed away at Good Shepard Hospice on March 24th after a long valiant fight. Irena was born in Glasgow Scotland on March 13th 1952, to her adoring parents Cathrine, of Glasgow, and Alecksander, of Warsaw Poland. They later moved to Sherbrooke Quebec Canada where she spent her summers picking wild berries along the lake front of her home and competitive sailing.

She loved to ski during the long winters with her family. Irena moved to Florida permanently after meeting her one great love, Dennis Blackburn at The Shanty on Lake May; what is now The Twisted Prop. It was in Winter Haven Florida that these two built their home, raising children and fur babies. Irena made her mark as a nurse for nearly 50 Years. During this time she touched innumerable lives with her characteristic patience and well placed guidence.

She retired from her role as Executive Director for Mederi Caretenders Home Health on March 6th 2022. Irena had countless plans for her years to come, after so much service to others. From beaches to mountains to grand baby camping trips; they where all on her itinerary. There was no denying her passion for adventure and family. She was a lover of life and people. Known for her compassion, quick wit, giving nature, and potato salad.

You were unlikely to cross her path and be anything but enchanted by her. Irena is proceeded in death by her parents Alec and Catherine and beloved pets Truffles and Rascal. She is survived by her husband Melvin Dennis Blackburn; her children Katie Lobosky (Joseph Lobosky) and Leesh Blackburn; and finally her cherished granddaughters Autumn Lobosky and Annabelle Lobosky. Irena wore many hats over her life and wore them all with everything she had.

No matter the point at which you knew her, we invite you to remember her with her family and friends on April 9th at Kersey Funeral home in Auburndale Florida.The service will be held from 10am - Noon.

Whether you can be there in person or just in spirit, when the sunshine hits your face on a perfect day, we hope you remember her with a smile.

Any pictures or stories you would like to share with the family please email ksl070814@gmail.com. In lieu of flowers she asked for donations to be made to the SPCA in her honor.