Alene Ruth Blomquist - Cremation Society of Virginia

Alene Ruth Blomquist

May 24, 1945 - January 31, 2026

Virginia Beach, VA – Alene Ruth Blomquist, 80, departed this life on January 31, 2026, in Virginia Beach, Virginia, after a brief illness.

She was the middle child of Olaf and Bea Blomquist and was raised in Iron Mountain, Michigan. Alene graduated from Iron Mountain High School where she was a member of the National Honor Society. Alene represented her hometown as Miss Iron Mountain-Kingsford in the 1963 Miss Michigan Pageant where she won the talent contest with her version of “Vissi D’Arte” from Puccini’s opera Tosca. Singing was her passion and her hobby. Alene could break into song at any moment to bring a smile to your face. She lived most of her adult life in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and sang in a variety of local musical and theater groups. She was a long-time member of The Comic Opera Guild and performed with the Ann Arbor Civic Theater, Saline Area Players, and Choral Connection among many other community theater groups in Washtenaw County. Alene was a long-time member of King of Kings Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor and was a missionary to Thailand for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America where she worked in Chaing Mai to destigmatize leprosy.

Alene received a Radiologic Technology certificate from Northern Michigan University and earned her undergraduate degree in psychology at Eastern Michigan University. When she was 47 years old, Alene started a new career path earning a Master of Arts from the University of Chicago’s School of Social Service Administration where she won the Sonia G. Berz Honor Award given to a graduating Master’s degree student for outstanding work and promise in the field of aging. She spent the rest of her career as a LCSW working with the elderly, including 5 years with VITAS Hospice in Metro Chicago. Alene was the program director of the University of Michigan’s Turner Geriatric Clinic Elder Life volunteer program and won the University’s 2004 Volunteer Services Distinguished Service Award for staff. Alene retired from the University of Michigan in 2013 and spent her retirement caring for her mother who lived to 101 years. She moved to Virginia Beach in 2023 to be closer to her daughter, Stephanie, who was at her bedside when she passed.

Alene was predeceased by her parents and her daughter, Christina Lloyd. She is survived by her daughter, Stephanie Armstrong (Chris); her sisters, Dr. Margo Cousins (Steve) and Judy McIntosh; grandchildren, Cody and Ashleigh; nephews Scott, Cory, Pat and Nate, and niece Amanda; and many great-nieces and -nephews, cousins and friends.

A celebration of her life will take place in Iron Mountain later this year. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to the Hospice Foundation of America or your local hospice organization in Alene’s memory.

Cremation Society of Virginia, Chesapeake Office, is assisting the family at their time of need. Friends and family may share online condolences and memories at www.vacremationsociety.com.

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Virginia Beach, VA – Alene Ruth Blomquist, 80, departed this life on January 31, 2026, in Virginia Beach, Virginia, after a brief illness. She was the middle child of Olaf and Bea Blomquist and was raised in Iron Mountain, Michigan. Alene graduated from Iron Mountain High School where she was a member of the National Honor…

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Thank you to all who have commented on my mother’s passing and the memories you have of her. She was loved and appreciated by so many people. Some of you I never met. Some of you I had to break the news to personally. All of you have a special memory of a woman who meant a lot to me and many others. I’m working towards having a gathering in Ann Arbor and in Iron Mountain to honor her memory later this year. Travel right now is complicated but it warms my heart to read your memories here. Thank you to everyone who loved her and appreciated her. ❤️

I came across this as Alene's birthday nears, dear Stephanie. Your mom was a gem, sparkling with fun, talent, compassion and intellect. We enjoyed time together as musical compatriots s in different ventures here in Ann Arbor (I was her Choir Director at King of Kings). Did she tell you she was the voice of the piano as we gave a musical tribute to our long-time liturgical pianist and accompanist? Extraordinary...in her career, love of friends, family, music and life. She and I shared the final caretaking years of our mothers' lives. She is dearly missed, this I know. xoxox Happy Heavenly Birthday, Alene!

i was searching in the iron mountain news for a friend that passed away when i was totally shocked to see your name in front of me. i still can't believe it. when we were young we thought we would be together forever, but circumstances changed everything. now all i have is the 12 years we spent together in ann arbor in the early 2000s. no one loved you like i did alene. bless you my love, johnny.

I met Alene in the Our Saviours Lutheran Church choir in Iron Mountain during the years she was caring for her mom Bea. She brightened our days and I was lucky to sit next to her and hear her wonderful singing voice. I was sad when she moved away! Prayers for you all. Sandy

So much life! She was my office partner and partner in crime. I enjoyed our time together and all your adventures. Rest well, my friend.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

My dear, sweet friend Alene, the memories of all the shenanigans, long talks and so many laughs will forever be in my heart. Rest well, friendie. My deepest condolences to Stephanie and family during these very sad days. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Dear Stephanie and all of Alene's family--My heart goes out to you at this difficult time. I had the honor and privilege of working with Alene for many years. I created the Hospital Elder Life program for which she worked for many years, and she was truly such a remarkable person. She brought so much to so many. Such a good heart. Sending my thoughts and deepest sympathy. Sharon Inouye, MD

When time has stolen away our stars, and only the night endures, somewhere in the darkness, Leenie, my hand will still seek yours.

I am so sorry for your loss Stephanie. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.