March 20, 2020 Tamara "Toni" Blair passed away at Lutheran hospital in Ft. Wayne with family by her side.
Toni was born September 27, 1942, in Nicolaev, Ukraine. As their country was at war, Toni and her family were displaced and came to America April 9, 1950.
Her parents Antonina and Peter Baribin yearned for a better life filled with opportunity in the United States. As their ship came into Ellis Island, mom said she could see Statue of Liberty waving her in and welcoming her to America! Toni grew up in Peru, Indiana and proudly became a U.S. citizen.
She was a graduate of Peru High School, traveled and lived in California and Chicago before marrying Phillip "Spanky" Blair on April 16, 1963. Together they made their home and family in Peru. Toni spent her adult life as a waitress at The Siding, a Real Estate Agent/Broker at Gallahan Real Estate and later at Toni Blair Realty. She was proud of her work and spent many hours working tirelessly finding people their forever homes.
She was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church and various organizations. Toni was full of life and described by close friend as, "The star in the room, even if there wasn't a show!" Nothing could be more true; helping and cheering people on was one of her greatest gifts.
Her children John Blair (Michelle), Tina Nichols, and step-son Randy Blair together with their children and grandchildren will greatly miss her. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, sister Alla Correll, and sister-in-law Phyllis Torrence.
Toni would always say, "Please don't be sad when I am gone, I have lived a wonderful life. When I go I will be ready." She was ready for her heavenly home and anxious to reunite with her husband and family. As we grieve her absence from our life, she would be the first to say please don't be sad.
At Toni’s request, there will be no services.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eikenberry-Eddy Funeral Home, Peru.
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