Jillian Magrane Blair
April 21, 2022
Jillian Magrane Blair, 17, was born on September 23, 2004, in Des Moines, Iowa to Michael and Amy (Ward) Blair. Jillian was the youngest of three girls and lived in the Des Moines area and Johnston.
Jillian was in her Junior year at Johnston High School where her favorite subject was art. Jillian aspired to be a fashion designer although when her parents suggested she take a sewing class, Jillian stated she did not need to learn to sew to construct a dress. “I will just hire people for that.”
Jillian had a heart for music. Her favorites were Jeff Buckley, Lana Del Rey, Harry Styles, Radiohead, and Tyler the Creator. A highlight of her 16th Birthday was traveling to Minneapolis with her best friend Macy to see Harry Styles in concert. Jillian’s dream day would have been to hang out with Harry just so she could paint his fingernails.
Jillian also enjoyed attempting to play musical instruments. After six years of piano lessons, she could play a mean Hot Cross Buns and was able to pull off the note G on her trumpet. Jillian decided instead that she would play guitar and after only a few months she serenaded her amazed family by playing the only three chords she learned because as she explained, “Every rock star only needs to know three chords.”
Jillian worked part-time at the Johnston Hy-Vee Floral Department. She tended to the cares of many plants and often would buy and bring home sickly flowers to nurse back to health. She affectionately referred to her bedroom as a “Plant Hospice.” She often forgot to water them for days and we lost many.
Jillian stuck to the four main food groups, which according to her were: Tacos, Pizza, Ramen, and Candy. She was a joy to cook for. “Ugh. Pork chops again?” Pancheros is really going to miss her business.
Jillian loved “Sister Time” when she, Rosie, and Catey would take drives to Saylorville, listen to music in the car, and eat ice cream on the way. They all enjoyed playing together with their pets, watching anime, and creating art together.
Jillian had a Bohemian chic sense of style. She loved shopping for clothes, shoes, and accessories. Most of her best finds were on her weekly thrifting adventures with her friends. Almost everything she owned came from Many Hands and Goodwill.
On Thursday, April 21, 2022, Jillian collapsed from a genetic heart condition previously diagnosed a month before. All efforts to keep her with us were not successful and we lost this shining light. Jillian was a gift. She was funny. She was beautiful. She was really bad at Algebra. We will carry her with us always. Our family will never be the same.
Jillian is survived by her parents, Michael and Amy Blair of Johnston; her sisters, Rosie and Catey Blair, at home; her grandparents, Steve and Debbie Blair of Altoona; her dog Vinnie, cat Marshall, and her best friend and partner in crime Macy Severs. Many aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family and friends also are left to wander without her. She was preceded in death by her grandparents Leo and Rita Ward.
The family will greet friends Wednesday, April 27, 2022, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway. A celebration of life will be held Thursday, April 28, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. also at the funeral home. Immediately following the funeral Jillian will be laid to rest at Mt Calvary Cemetery in Melrose, Iowa.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Jillian.
“There's the moon asking to stay. Long enough for the clouds to fly me away.” — Jeff
Many Hands Thrift Market
05/12/2022
Our thoughts and prayers are extended to your family during this heart breaking time. Jillian was someone who you took notice to when she entered the room and our earthly world is Less than due this loss but the Heavens are singing with joy for its tremendous gain. May you find peace and comfort in the arms of the Lord during this tough time for your family.
Melissa-Many Hands Thrift Market-Grimes
Mitzi Slemp
04/26/2022
I am so sorry for your loss. My daughter Kristin always told me about what a fun family you are and the pictures that you would all take together. Jillian is a beautiful soul you can tell. You are all in my thoughts and prayers for healing and comfort.
Dawn Mueller Henderson
04/26/2022
Dear Blair and Ward families, please accept my deepest condolences for your unimaginable loss.💔 What a shining star 🌟 I am sorry I did not have the opportunity to meet her. Carole, she immediately reminded me of YOU when I first saw her picture. Same mischievous side glance! Peace to you all 🙏
Darlene Navin
04/26/2022
Sending hugs to you and yours from us as no words will do. We love y'all and Sending prayers your way as you try and process this unbelievable loss. 🙏 for your broken hearts 💔
Nora
04/26/2022
This absolutely beautiful tribute about Jillian expresses the amazing Love she was given by her Family.♥
I lost my 16 yr old Niece & my heart ♥ goes out in the deepest way to all of you.🙏😥♥
Jillian is still touching so many lives today/as she has mine.♥ What a Beautiful young lady.♥ Praying for all the Family. I am so sorry for your deepest loss.
Kimberly Butler
04/26/2022
Dear Family,
I dont know you but know Mary Knox through Facebook and she asked for prayers for you all at this terribly difficult time. I do pray that God will continue to hold you all close and that you will always have those wonderful memories of her. The obituary was just beautiful. I could hear it read in a mothers voice. This family did well by her. She touched my life by reading about her and I will strive to do better in my life as a tribute to the wonderful people that helped shape her. There are no adequate words to express my condolences so I will just say it breaks my heart for you to have lost her. I wish I could hug you all right now.
Augusta Marshall
04/26/2022
Im a Johnston parent my son is graduating this year I just wanted to let you know that I am deeply sorry for your loss of this beautiful young talented lady you will see her again our lord had bigger plans for her shes now in paradise where she will be free and watch over you and your family every day god bless your family RIP Jillian
Trini Zavala
04/25/2022
I am so sorry for your loss . she was a sweet and bright person , always making people smile and making me laugh and smile . i send my condolences to your family and wish you guys the best that life has to offer . i will forever have jill in my heart and have your family in mine as well . Rest Easy Jill .
Jacki Storm
04/25/2022
I'm truly sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Kelly McAlister
04/25/2022
I am so sorry about the loss of Jillian. I had the pleasure of having Jillian in one of my classes at Summit, and I always enjoyed her smile and presence in my room.
Olga Kline
04/25/2022
I was Jillian's first and second grade teacher. It was a privilege to teach her for those two years. She was a kind friend and a respectful student, I will always remember her sparkling smile and gentle nature. I also remember she always declined any birthday treat that involved cake as she didn't like cake - at least not for those two years! My heart hurts at the loss of this special girl. ❤
Kevin Green & Family
04/25/2022
Thinking of you all during this difficult time. We send nothing but tons of Prayers , Love , & Hugs to you all during this time.
Amy Mattingly
04/25/2022
Just a Johnston family wanting you to know we are thinking of you. Peace.
Andi Poe
04/25/2022
I had the pleasure of teaching Jillian in the 3rd grade. She always had a smile when she arrived at school. Jillian was a joy and easy to teach! I remember her art work, her creative writing and working with her on math. ;) Jillian was kind and a friend to all those in our room that year. My heart goes out to the Blair family. She will always be remembered. I am so sorry for your loss. Much love, Andi Poe
Amy
04/25/2022
My deepest condolences to your family. Michael taught me at DMACC and he always talked about his girls. It's so clear how much love is there. I'm so sorry for this.