Obituary of Ilene Cecelia Pearson

Ilene Cecelia “Ailie” Pearson, age 96, died August 18, 2019 in Two Harbors, MN. She was born May 24, 1923 in Duluth, MN and was a graduate of Denfeld High School. Ilene was a proud veteran of the Navy and Air Force. She served as a WAVE and WAF for a total of 22+ years and retired from the military in 1976. Her favorite tour was in Hawaii. Following her military career, she worked as a stenographer in Duluth.

She enjoyed her Island Lake home and had a love for dogs. Ilene lived at Woodland Gardens Senior Apartments several years before going to assisted living then the Care Center in Two Harbors. She had many interests and was always willing to try anything. She enjoyed travel and took many Elder Hostel trips in the USA and abroad. She enjoyed bingo and family gatherings. Ilene was a member of The Red Hat Society and Women’s Air Force Sergeants Group.

Ilene was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Edith (Clinton) Ritchie and Ida (Walter) Knudsen, niece Janice (Ritchie) O’Brien, nephew Terry Lee Ritchie and niece Yvonne (Knutsen) Bugbee. She is survived by her nephews David Ritchie (Betsy) and Larrie Knudsen and their families and several cousins who were very special to her. A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 31 at 2:30 pm at Cremation Society of Minnesota, 4100 Grand Ave., Duluth, with a visitation beginning at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Animal Allies.