Obituary of Joanne Balogh

As our hearts are breaking, we must share the passing of our beloved mother Joanne Balogh, peacefully on January 17, 2021 at 85 years of age. Loving mother of Barbara Chevalier, Deborah Sumey (Philip), Patty Fanelli (Joe), Andrew Balogh (Noelle) and John Balogh (Kimberley). Proud grandma of Shauna, Kathleen (Mike), Lisa (Wayne), JB (Stephanie), Janine (Mike), Jay (Kristen), Julie, Gianna, Brooke, Audrey, Jonathan, Matthew and Meg. Exceptionally proud great grandma of Ben, Ellie, Nolan, James, Lauren, Emerson, JJ, Harrison, Lyndon, Delilah, Grayson and baby Fanelli on the way. She is also survived by her sister Joyce Denonville (Frank, 2006) and many wonderful nieces and nephews. Joanne has been reunited with her adored and cherished parents Julia and Ed Martin, her treasured siblings Jack Martin (Audrey) and Shirley Oleynik (Ron) and her especially indulged dogs Tuffy and Shadow. Joanne was larger than life with a sense of humour to match. Just follow the sounds of joy and laughter and you will surely find her entertaining an enthralled and captivated audience. Joanne was a hostess with the mostest. Her receptions were legendary and her invitations were coveted. She so enjoyed hosting luncheons for her colleagues and friends at Buckingham Realty. They were like family. Her career as a realtor gave her a great sense of pride and accomplishment. JoAnne sure enjoyed playing Euchre. She was a great partner and a formidable opponent. A wry little smile would come across her face when a player came to the realization that she was a bit of a card shark. Christmas was Joanne’s most favourite time of year. No doubt pilots approaching Windsor’s airport got confused upon their descent but for a second or two, mistaking her holiday lights for an oddly positioned runway. Her grandchildren were especially delighted and utterly in awe of the winter wonderland awaiting them on their Grandma’s front lawn. When you visited Joanne, you could not help but appreciate how deftly she integrated her favourite things as she designed an environment that enveloped you with such a warm and inviting embrace. Everyone admired her stunning wreaths that she so lovingly created and proudly displayed on every occasion. Joanne was a gifted gardener who took great pleasure in curating the perfect outdoor oasis. It was an exhilarating adventure to uncover one of the oh so many treasures tucked away in her lush and gorgeous gardens. And the sweet scent of those freshly arranged floral bouquets from the bounty of her efforts. Heavenly. Just heavenly. Mom - we miss you and we love you. May you enjoy the finest chocolates and the richest ice cream, but most of all - remember to watch over all of us. Till we meet again... Catholic blessings and cremation have taken place. Thank you to the remarkable staff at Ouellette Campus and Hospice in Leamington. The care she received was extraordinary. As a family, we are very grateful. If you so choose, either The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County or The Heart and Stroke Foundation would be a most worthy recipient of your generosity.