Sarah Blackburn

Sarah Blackburn (Serafina Gonzalez), 94, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 4th at Our Hospice South Central Indiana, Columbus Indiana.

Sarah was born in Springfield, Illinois on February 11, 1922 to Spanish immigrant parents Manuel Gonzalez and Josephine Garzia Gonzalez. She had three brothers and two sisters. Sarah graduated from Fairmont East High School in Fairmont, West Virginia. She studied accounting and moved to Washington DC where she worked as a civilian in Army Finance. While there, she met her husband, Delmere Blackburn, who was serving as a Marine. They married and moved to Indianapolis where she worked at Fort Harrison Army Finance Center until starting their family. They were blessed with 5 children (one son who died at birth).

Sarah lived in Indianapolis until she was 92. Following an illness, she went to live at Kindred Transitional Care Center, Columbus, Indiana, where she continued to enjoy a full and active lifestyle. Sarah was loved by many  and known for her fascinating life stories as well as her generous and vibrant personality.

Sarah was preceded in death by her three brothers (who died at birth), sister – Lydia Valentine, husband- Delmere Blackburn, a still born son and her youngest son – Brian Blackburn.

Sarah is survived by her sister- Mary Rossano, Children – Delmera Sue Kernodle, Vera Jo Atha and Patrick (Kim) Blackburn. Grandchildren – Joshua, Nathaniel (Amanda), Christopher Blackburn; Meghan Lyles; Garrett Smith; Erin Vance; Ryan (Laura) Kernodle; Cory, Christina, Benjamin Blackburn; David, Danielle Elliott; Jemi, Jeremy, Kyle Powell. Great grandchildren – Joseph Jones, Madelynn Blackburn; Megan Crawford; Jackson, Alexander Lyles; Axel Powell; Owen, Isaac, Eli Vance and many nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank all of her caregivers at Kindred, Columbus Regional Hospital and Our Hospice Center.

Visitation will be Sunday, January 8th from 4-8 pm at Usher Funeral Home at 2313 W. Washington St Indianapolis, IN 43222. Funeral Mass at 11 am on Monday, January 9th at St Anthony Catholic Church 337 N. Warman Ave Indianapolis, IN 46222. Burial at Crown Hill Cemetery. 

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