Jillian Magrane Blair

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

Print