Irina Wohner

Irina V. Wohner NORFOLK - Irina Vassilieff Wohner, 88, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, teacher and friend, died peacefully with family Nov. 6, 2010. Mrs. Wohner, a first- generation American of Russian descent, was born in Washington, D.C., and raised in Rockville, Md. She was a resident of the Tidewater area for more than 45 years. In her youth, Mrs. Wohner danced professionally with New York City Ballet and others. Few knew of her pilot's license and modeling career in the 1940s. Mrs. Wohner was an accomplished ballerina, choreographer and teacher. She began the ballet program at Old Dominion University in 1965 and this program remains active to this day. Irina, better known as Era to her friends, later established and operated Irina's School of Classical Ballet for more than 35 years. Mrs. Wohner was married to the late Colonel John Wohner for 64 years. She is survived by her three children, Tanya and Jerry Wohner of Norfolk and Jack Wohner of Southern Shores N.C.; seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Visitation will be Thursday, Nov. 18, at H.D. Oliver Funeral Home in Norfolk beginning at 6 to 7:30 p.m. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Norfolk with a gathering of family and friends to follow in the church common. Interment will be in Arlington National Cemetery Dec. 1 at 3 p.m.. Memorials may be made to Catholic Charities of Hampton Roads, 1301 Colonial Avenue Norfolk, VA 23517. Online condolences may be made through www.hdoliver. com.