Edith C. Blackburn, devoted wife, mother

Edith C. Blackburn (Bennett), 94, died Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, at Delaware Hospice Center in Milford. She was born June 6, 1930, at home in Norristown, Pa., daughter of Charles W.B. Bennett and Mary Ann Bennett (Edmundson).

Edee attended and graduated from Norristown High School in Norristown, Pa., where she met her sweetheart, Irvin Blackburn. They married April 28, 1951. At the time, their respective parents said the marriage wouldn’t last. After 73 years, two children, five grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and many travels and adventures, it most certainly did.

Edith worked as a secretary after high school and in the early years of her marriage. She followed Irvin to Fort Hood, Texas, where they lived until he shipped out to Korea. She worked as a homemaker for most of her adult life. When time permitted, Edee enjoyed drawing, painting, and yoga.

After spending 50-plus years in Pennsylvania, Edith and Irvin moved to Lewes, where they enjoyed the beach, boating, fishing, crabbing, and soaking up the sun. She and Irvin traveled to Florida and the western U.S. each winter for many years.  

Edith was a member of the Lewes Pocahontas chapter of the Improved Order of Red Men and Lewes Senior Center. She enjoyed many trips and activities there.

Edith is predeceased by her parents; her sister, Eleanor; her brother, Charles; and her sister, Mary. She is survived by her husband, Irvin; daughter, Kathleen Heacock (Mathilda) of Milton; son Richard Blackburn (Molly) of Norristown, Pa; grandchildren, Daniel Heacock (Whitney) of Connecticut, Shawn Heacock (Corey) Wilmington, Emily Britcher (Brian), Pottstown, Pa., Megan Hines of Norristown, Pa., Julia Light (Brandon) of  Charleston, S.C; eight great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

A Memorial service will be held from 11:30 a.m. to noon, Friday, Sept. 20, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Hwy., Lewes, with visitation from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Private interment will be at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Millsboro. 

Memorial gifts may be made in Edith’s name to Delaware Hospice Milford Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford.

Visit Edith's Life Memorial webpage at parsellfueralhomes.com.