Submitted by: Dan Rich

Sharon Ann Balint

May 28, 1942 - April 19, 2008

South Bend Tribune 4/24/2008
SOUTH BEND - Sharon Ann Balint, 65, of South Bend, IN, passed away on Saturday, April 19, 2008, in her home. She was born on May 28, 1942, in South Bend, IN, to John and Alice Blasczyk. Sharon graduated from Washington High School in 1960 and attended Holy Cross Central Nursing School. She worked in the operating rooms of South Bend Osteopathic Hospital. Her strong desire to help individuals with care and support was reflected in her several years of medical service. She worked many years as an emergency medical technician at S.M.C.A.S. (Southwestern Michigan Community Ambulance Service) and as a volunteer with the American Red Cross.

She married Robert J. Balint on November 21, 1964, and was blessed with three children, Beth Ann (Joseph) Olinger of Libertyville, IL, Christopher (Susan) Balint of South Bend and Ann Marie Davidson of Granger. Her life and world revolved around the love of her grandchildren, Hannah, Sydney and Max Olinger, Emma, Owen and Evan Balint, Sophia and Lucy Davidson. Sharon is survived by her aforementioned family, as well as by her brother, Robert (Margaret) Blasczyk of Newark, Ohio; stepbrothers, Edwin "Skip" (Bonnie) Chrobot of Indianapolis, IN, Richard (Marla) Sisti of South Bend and Anthony Sisti; and by many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, John Blasczyk and Alice Chrobot, along with two stepfathers, Anthony Sisti and Edwin Chrobot.

Her happiest times involved teaching her children and grandchildren to play and love. She was a wonderful cook and taught her many secrets to her daughters and granddaughters. Sharon had a love for animals and spent many happy days caring for them while living on the farm in Walkerton, IN. She enjoyed the outdoors and created wonderful memories camping with her family on summer vacations. Sharon could always be found donning her favorite attire, blue jeans and "Nana" sweatshirts. She loved to have family gatherings and prepared and planned countless meals and celebrations for everyone to enjoy. Her culinary specialties included a mean "cancer Kool-Aid." Sharon was proud of her Polish heritage and was active for many years with MR Falcons and the P.N.A. Nest 200, enjoying both bowling and golf. In her earlier years with her children she was active as a YMCA Tribal "Indian Guide" Leader and was an avid room mother.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 AM Saturday, April 26, 2008, in Little Flower Catholic Church, 54191 N. Ironwood, South Bend, IN 46635. Burial will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery, South Bend. Friends may visit with the family from 4 to 8 PM Friday and from 9 to 10 AM Saturday in church. A parish Rosary will be recited at 4:30 PM Friday. Palmer Funeral Home-River Park, is assisting the family with arrangements. Contributions in memory of Sharon Ann Balint may be made to Little Flower Catholic Church.