Florence E. Blaney, 91, passed away peacefully on April 8, 2017, while in hospice care at her daughter's home.  She was born September 16, 1925 in St. Paul, Minnesota, to Charles and Margaret (Kohn) Irestone.  She married Donald R. Blaney in 1945 and the family came to include five children.

Florence began her career with the US Immigration and Naturalization Service in 1962 as a file clerk and retired in 1989 as a chief legalization officer.  She was also a part time employee of the Cenacle for many years, hand-painting and lettering prayer cards.  Florence spent much of her retirement devoted to forging a deep bond with her young grandson and protege, Nathaniel.  She was inquisitive by nature and her desire for knowledge and experience led her to travel.  What began as US road trips broadened into excursions to Europe, Hong Kong, China, Alaska, with a near-death plunge into the Colorado River while white water rafting.  Florence explored the world of art with her sister Dorothy.  Together they created ceramics, stained glass and crafts galore as well as taking clowning classes.  Florence could often be seen pondering over a jigsaw puzzle which became a customary table setting.  She enjoyed crocheting and her afghans (oftentimes intertwined with the hair of her lap dog Misty) are legendary among family and friends.  But truly her greatest passion was reserved for her family, as we all knew and felt her unwavering love.

Florence is survived by her son Scott Blaney; her daughter Colleen Amos; her son Tim (Donna) Blaney; her two grandsons Adam (Caitlyn) Blaney and Nathaniel Amos; and loving members of her extended family.

She is preceded in death by her parents Charles and Margaret; her sister Lorraine; her sister Dorothy Powell; her brother Charles (Monie) Irestone; her sons Gary and Patrick Blaney; and loving members of her extended family.

The cremation rite was accorded privately and a celebration of Florence's life will be held at a later date.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care for their support and tender, loving care.  Donations in memory of Florence may be made to Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care, 1550 Bishop Ct., Mount Prospect, IL 60056.