Jennifer Blair, age 54, of Treasure Island, Florida, after a courageous battle with cancer passed away surrounded by loved ones on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at St. Benedict Catholic Church, 307 W Main Street, Decorah, Iowa, with Rev. Donald Hertges presiding. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

A celebration of life will be held following the services on Saturday, from 12:00 - 3:00 p.m. in the upstairs of T Bock's restaurant, 206 W Water Street, Decorah, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the family in memory of Jennifer Blair, or you can send via Venmo @mjmcconnell25, or to 1605 Ashburn Ridge Dr, Waxhaw, NC 28173.

Jennifer Marie Blair was born on September 21, 1971, the daughter of Douglas Elmer Blair and Jane Marie (Holthaus) Blair in San Antonio, Texas. Jennifer graduated from Winston Churchill High School in 1990. Following graduation she attended San Antonio Community College. Soon after Jennifer moved to Dallas, Texas and started working in the service industry. She worked at Cafe Gecko from 1996 to 2016, where she spent most of her time in a management position. Jennifer then moved to St. Petersburg, Florida in the spring of 2017 where she took on a management position at Caddy’s restaurant in Treasure Island.

Living near the beach had always been one of Jens dreams which she eventually made come true. She loved being near the water and taking walks along the beach collecting seashells ~ and what a collection of seashells she had. Jen had a huge love for ocean life. Anytime she saw dolphins, manatees or seagulls she would light up with excitement and joy. No one had a greater appreciation for God’s work in the beauty of sunsets than Jennifer. She admired every sunset as if it was her first and her last.

Jennifer loved her three nephews and niece as if they were her own. In her eyes the kids could do no wrong. Everything they said was brilliant, funny, witty and just ‘priceless’. Her nephews and niece lit up her world. Being ‘Jajas’ was her favorite and most important role.

Jennifer cherished her time with her Iowa family – making many summer trips to visit her aunts and uncles and hanging out with her many cousins from the time she was a little girl and continuing into adulthood. She had many fond memories of staying with Aunt Pat Seiler and going on “adventures” with her cousins from around the area. While in Decorah, visiting her great uncle and aunt on the Bakke homesteads were always a must. She enjoyed the beautiful country setting, feeding the horses and the company of her Bakke cousins.

Jennifer’s devotion to her faith, family and friends were beyond measure. She was always there for you; a sister and friend you could rely on. She loved listening to one of her ‘jams’, especially her 90’s country and never hesitated to make her own dance floor. Jennifers carefree spirit was contagious. When you were with her you knew you were in for a good time. Whether it was conversations over dinner, enjoying a festival together, beach sunset walks, or just simply hanging out in her place being present with one another. She was a bright light whose warmth, laughter and spirit touched everyone who crossed her path. With every sunset, every seashell found on the shoreline, the warmth of the sun on our faces and all the simple pleasures in life, we will think of Jennifer. Thank you for sharing

your life with us. We will hold our memories tight and find comfort you are at peace with the Lord. Fly so high, my beautiful sister. Your light will never fade.

Jennifer’s survivors include her sister, Katie McConnell & husband Mike, Waxhaw, NC. Three nephews: Colin, Owen, Reece and one niece, Jane McConnell. Uncle Karl and Aunt Maxine Klotzbach, Uncles Dave Holthaus, Dan Schmitt and Norb Bullerman, Aunts Lorraine Holthaus, Elaine Holthaus and Sue Holthaus along with many cousins and friends.

Jennifer was preceded in death by her mother Jane Blair in 2010, father Doug Blair in 2016 and brother Philip in 2012. Grandparents: Phyllis Blair in 2005, Hilda Holthaus in 1987 and Raymond Holthaus in 1964, as well as many aunts and uncles and cousins.