Obituary of Grace S. Balestriere

Grace Anne Balestriere (nee Steele), 89 years old, passed away peacefully on February 17, 2012 at her daughter's home in Killingworth, CT. She was born in 1922 in Philadelphia, PA, where she lived for most of her youth except for several years in Old Greenwich, CT. She was a magna cum laude graduate of West Philadelphia High School. She and her husband moved to Prospect Park in 1948 where they lived for 63 years. Grace was the beloved wife of the late Henry Balestriere (deceased Nov 20, 2011). They were married for 66 years and had two daughters, Annette Mehan and Constance Bombaci, and son-laws, Ron Mehan and James Bombaci. They were blessed with seven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Grace was employed for most of her life, working for Bell Telephone as an operator after graduating high school, the Army Finance Office during World War II, and the American Motors office in Sharon Hill, PA. She is remembered fondly by the graduates, and teachers of Norwood Elementary School where she was secretary for 27 years, retiring in 1992. Grace loved working with young people and was a Girl Scout Leader and an adult leader in the Civil Air Patrol. While her children were at Interboro High School she was active in the American Field Service Student Exchange Program and the Band Boosters. She was active in the Olivet Presbyterian Church where she taught Sunday School for many years and was the Clerk of Session for 7 years. In her youth Grace had a beautiful soprano voice and she sang in the Ninth Presbyterian Church choir in Philadelphia. She was also a good swimmer and a platform diver. Grace will be missed by her family and many friends. She was known for her cheerful disposition. friendliness , and caring nature. There will be an announcement of joint services for Grace and her husband, Henry, in Prospect Park, PA. In lieu of flowers the family requests that you make a contribution to the Olivet Presbyterian Church, 1001 Washington Avenue, Prospect Park, PA 19076 or to the Native Ministries International Inc., 16902 W. Hanna Road, Casa Grande, AZ 85193-7639.