Patty Jo Balawender's Obituary
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Patty Jo Balawender, who departed this life on Saturday, August 17, 2024, surrounded by the love and support of her husband and children, at Ames Family Hospice in Westlake, Ohio. Patty passed at the age of 68, just nineteen months after being diagnosed with Stage 4 Colon Cancer. Thanks to the love, hope and support of her friends and family, she fought a fierce battle, and leaves behind an incredible legacy.
Born on August 10, 1956, in Cleveland, Ohio, Patty was the beloved daughter of James Howard and Mildred Louise (nee Morgan) Dawes. Patty was introduced to her husband, Wally, by her father in winter of 1974, and married soon after. Patty and Wally have shared a remarkable 50-year journey filled with love and partnership, devoted to their family, relishing time spent with their five children and twelve grandchildren. Their commitment extended beyond their immediate family as they served as foster parents for Lorain County Children's Services for several years, opening their hearts and home to children in need after their own children had grown.
A 1974 graduate of Berea Midpark High School, Patty pursued extensive training to become a Certified Paraprofessional, and dedicated nearly 40 years to working with and serving those with special needs. She began her career in the early 1980s with Easter Seals, where she cared for seniors, adults, and children of all ages with disabilities, and later transitioned to the Midview and Elyria School Systems as an elementary school Special Needs Paraprofessional.
Patty, affectionately known as Ms. Patty by her students, was an angel on earth. She embodied a life of service and love, and her greatest accomplishment was the positive impact she had on the lives of countless students and individuals. It was her life’s mission to care for and embrace children with disabilities. She spent more than 35 years working with countless numbers of students from Pre-K to 4th grade with Autism, Downs Syndrome, and other physical, cognitive, or learning disabilities, and was committed to finding ways to work with each to improve their ability to communicate, and better enable their capabilities to learn and grow. Her dedication to helping others and her ability to inspire and uplift those around her will be remembered always.
She found joy in simple pleasures—shopping with her daughter and granddaughters, making crafts for her students, children, and grandchildren, cooking for friends and family, and hosting sleepovers full of crafts and board games with her grandkids. She and her husband, Wally, shared a strong passion for creating joy, and found great pleasure in spending time with their family at Cedar Point and Disney World. Her passion for Disney was reflected throughout her life and spirit, and those close to her will always think of her whenever they find a hidden Mickey.
Patty Jo Balawender will be deeply missed but forever remembered by her loving family and all those whose lives she touched. Her legacy of love, compassion, and dedication to making a difference will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.
She is survived by her husband, Walter A. Balawender Jr.; children, Angela (Sean) Coppler, of Powell, OH, Walter A. Balawender III, of Grafton, Tony (Darla) Balawender, of Elyria, Daniel (Kathy) Balawender, of Elyria, and Timothy (Carolyn) Balawender, of Grafton; grandchildren, Holden, Ridley, Finn, Addison, Walter IV, Hannah, Abbey, Wyatt, Kylie, Daniel Jr., Alexis and Seth; siblings, Jean Adams, of Sutherlin, OR, Roberta Parsons, of Wellington, Nancy Laubert, of Sullivan, Peggy Menini, of Brook Park, Michael Dawes, of Brook Park, and Betty Butler, of Medina. She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Mildred Dawes; brothers, Jack, Jimmy, and Billy Dawes; and her father-in-law, Walter Balawender Sr.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, August 24, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. in the Dovin and Reber Jones Funeral & Cremation Center, 1110 Cooper Foster Park Road, Amherst. Funeral services will immediately follow the visitation at 2:00 p.m. in the funeral center. Contributions may be made in Patty’s honor at Keep Ms. Patty's Legacy Alive : Support Special Needs, https://gofund.me/4380c56f a fundraiser established by her family to provide support for the Special Needs Education Program at Eastern Heights Elementary School in Elyria, OH. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.dovinreberjones.com
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