Ione P. Blackmore, age 82, a resident of Wheaton, and formerly of University Park, died peacefully at her home at Wyndemere Retirement Community on Thursday, February 2 surrounded by the love of her family and friends after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born in Chicago on November 24, 1923 to Rupert Clyde and Esther Peacock.

Ione worked for Illinois Bell for 20 years followed by a distinguished career with ITT Commercial Finance as Area Operations Manager from 1977 to 1996. She was an avid card player, reader and enjoyed various groups each week of her active retired life. Ione received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Governors State University at the age of 70. She will be dearly missed by many long time friends and her family. She was an inspiration of courage and hope with her undying spirit and zest for life.

Ione is survived by two daughters, Roberta (Mark) Spehr of Wheaton and Adrienne (Susan Cruz) Blackmore of Steger, three granddaughters, Meredith Ione, Ashley Christine and Lauren Margo Spehr, one brother Rupert (Shirley) Peacock of Oak Forest and many cousins, nieces and nephews. She took great pride in her granddaughters and always carried pictures of them with her to show her friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert W. Blackmore in 1973.

A visitation will be held Monday, February 6, from 3 to 8 p.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St. in Wheaton. A Service of Hope will be held on Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Wheaton, Ellis and Jefferson St. in Wheaton.

Interment will take place in private at Skyline Memorial Cemetery in Monee, Illinois.

Memorials may be directed to the church or CNS Home Health and Hospice, 690 E. North Ave., Carol Stream, IL 60188.

Information and on-line guest book is available at hultgrenfh.com or call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.