Eileen Anne Balestri

Eileen Anne Balestri, 89, of Mishawaka, passed into eternal life from natural causes in the loving, compassionate care of the owner and staff of Caring Junction on October 7, 2021.

Eileen was born May 3, 1932 in Humphrey, Nebraska, the daughter of the late Arthur and Regina (Fuchs) Melcher. She grew up in Peoria, Illinois where she was a graduate of Manual High School.

Eileen married Lawrence Gerald “Jerry” Balestri on April 14, 1951 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Peoria. They moved to the Michiana area in the mid 1960’s, living in Mishawaka, Granger and South Bend.

Eileen was a secretary for the Caterpillar Corporation in Peoria, head cashier for the Covey Restaurant in Mishawaka and was a color consultant for Beauty For All Seasons and later for Beauty Control for over 20 years.

Eileen was a member of Catholic churches in the communities where she lived. She was a member of Christ Child Society, Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, and was past president of both the Coquillard Woods Garden Club and the Ladies of the Elks #235. When Eileen’s children were growing up she was a Brownie and Girl Scout Leader. She enjoyed gardening and coin and stamp collecting.

Eileen is survived by her three children, Diane (Mike) Gray of Canadian Lakes, Michigan, Cherie (Dan) Sheets of Mishawaka and Bruce (Pam) Balestri of Portage, Michigan; six grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Eileen was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry; and an infant daughter, Debra.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, October 14 at 11:00 am at St. Bavo Catholic Church, 511 W. 7th Street, Mishawaka.  Burial will follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger.

Visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:45 am on Thursday at Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, 503 W. 3rd Street, Mishawaka.

Memorials are suggested to Christ Child Society or The Center for Hospice Care.