Irene Sarah Knowles' Obituary
Irene Sarah Knowles, 92, of Leesburg,Virginia passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 14, 2020 at her daughter’s home. Memorial service will be held at a later date.
Irene was born on March 7, 1928 in Brooklyn, New York to Isabella Leudesdorff and Frank Knowles, followed the next year by her beloved brother Edward Frank. She grew up in Queens Village surrounded by an expansive group of aunts, uncles, and cousins. She attended P.S. 109 and Andrew Jackson High School where she took business classes and graduated to become a secretary at International Diesel. After World War II, she married the boy around the corner, George Blaurock. They moved out to Wantagh, in the suburbs, and raised Ginny, George, and Patti. Irene worked as a teacher’s aide and a secretary in Seaford Schools, then went on to work in the administrative offices of Bellmore-Merrick, and Syosset school districts.
Irene retired to Punta Gorda,Florida where she enjoyed over 15 years of life and love and leisure. When Hurricane Charley decimated her town, she moved to Leesburg,Virginia to be closer to family. At Lansdowne Woods (Leisure World), she became involved in Activities Committee, Election Committee, helped set up onsite weekly Bible study through her church, Our Savior’s Way. Irene was involved in Altar Guild and Sunday School classes for years at Our Savior’s Way.
Irene is preceded in death by her parents Frank and Belle, and brother Ed. She is survived by her children Virginia (George Lawrence), George (Lise), and Patricia, and her most beloved grandchildren George (Alba), Peter, Kathryn, Mary Beth (Nathan Drum), Victoria (Alexander Kennett), Thomas.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Hospital, St. Jude’s Hospital for Children, and Our Savior’s Way Lutheran Church would be most appreciated, as these were all dear to Irene’s heart.
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