Helen (Summers) Balestra

Boardman:  There will be a funeral service held on Monday, October 15, 2018 at 11:00 am at Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4221 Market Street in Boardman with Pastor Russ Adams officiating, for Helen (Summers) Balestra, 94, who passed away on Wednesday, October 10, 2018 at The Assumption Village, with her family by her side. 

Helen was born November 28, 1923 in Youngstown, the daughter of the late Alvin and Jane (Dunmire) Summers.

Through the years, Helen worked for several companies, National Biscuit Company, G.C. Murphy Company, U.S. Navy Recreation Dept. in Millington, TN, Orange Court Motor Lodge in Orlando, FL., and the Fraternal Order of Eagles on South Avenue in Youngstown.   

She volunteered at Mercy Health-St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital for several years where she was known as “Amazing Grace”.

Helen acquired her love of coffee just like her dad, who was her idol.  She taught herself to sew and become quite a seamstress.  Helen had a great singing voice, accompanying herself on her guitar.  She loved country music, was an avid bingo player, worked crossword puzzles, and read.  Helen also loved to cook and bake, and was famous for her peanut butter fudge.  She loved traveling, the color green, and jelly beans.  She knew how to make people laugh and was quick with her one liners.

Helen will be sadly missed by her daughter, Joyce Joyce of Boardman, with whom she made her home,, a son, Ronald Dean of Youngstown, a stepson, Thomas (Ruth) Balestra of Alliance, four sisters, Bonnie Miller of Hermitage, PA, Bernis (Chuck) Fizet of Fowler, Gail Johnson and June Summers, both of Youngstown; a granddaughter, Kelly (Gene) McVicker of Youngstown; two step-grandchildren, Thomas (Brandy) Balestra of Louisville, Richard (Michelle) Balestra of Scottsdale, AZ;  three great grandchildren, Christopher, Meaghan, and Gabriel Ball; and four step- great grandchildren, Taylor, Kendra, Nicholas and Ryan Balestra.

     Helen has joined in heaven her parents, her husband of 40 years, Tony Balestra whom she married on June 19, 1976, died January 29, 2016; six brothers, Alvin, Chuck, George, Glenn, Paul and Infant Summers; a sister, Betty Summers; a son-in-law, Edward Joyce and a grandson, Darren Joyce. 

Family and friends may call on Monday, October 15, 2018 from 10 to 10:50 at Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4221 Market Street in Boardman.

Everyone who is planning on attending Helen’s services is asked to wear something green because that was Helen’s favorite color.

Burial will take place at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Boardman. 

The family would like to give special recognition to The Assumption Village for the special care they gave her. 

Family and friends may visit www.rossisantuccifh.com to view this notice, sign the guest book or send condolences to Helen’s family. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Helen (Summers) Balestra, please visit our floral store.