Adele Balaguer Ossi

With deep love and gratitude for a long life well lived, the family of Adele Balaguer Ossi announces her passing on November 23, 2025, at the age of 96. A devoted wife, daughter, sister, aunt, godmother, and friend, Adele was born and raised in the Springfield neighborhood of Jacksonville, Florida, and later became a cherished resident of Neptune Beach, Florida, where her gentle spirit and enduring kindness touched generations of family and friends.

Born on June 2, 1929, Adele was the daughter of Maria Balaguer, a native of Spain who immigrated to the United States in 1921, and Francisco Balaguer. She was one of two daughters, along with her sister Elizabeth Balaguer Sims, and she also had a stepsister, Araceli (Sally) Debs.

Adele was preceded in death by her sister, her stepsister, and her brother, Adolph “Abie” Balaguer. She was also preceded in death by her stepbrother, ‘Paul’ Leopold Charles Balaguer. Though she outlived many in her generation, she carried each of them in her heart throughout her life.

Adele is lovingly remembered by her nephew, Raymond Adolph Balaguer, his wife Tessie, and their three children, Cheryl Chalker (Adam), Amy Balaguer, and Megan Pike (Zach), as well as by her niece, Sharon Marie Bowers, widow of Raymond Earl Bowers, Sr., along with Sharon’s son Raymond Bowers and grandson Mason.

She is also remembered through the family of her late niece, Charlene Elaine Leggett, and Charlene’s late husband, Curt. This includes their daughter, Daphne Leggett, and her two children, and their son, Curtis Leggett Jr., with his wife Elaine and their three children, including Curtis Leggett III, for whom Adele was honored to serve as godmother.

Adele was also blessed with another godson, Peter E. Ossi, son of Lynda and the late Edward J. Ossi, extending her circle of care into the Ossi family she joined through marriage. Her legacy of love and support endures among the Ossi family, cherished by surviving in-laws, nieces, and nephews, and remembered in the hearts of those who have passed.

A graduate of Andrew Jackson High School (Class of 1948), Adele built a long and dedicated career at BellSouth, where she worked from 1949 until her retirement in 1989. Her work ethic, reliability, and humility earned her the admiration of colleagues and friends.

On June 7, 1968, Adele married the love of her life, Ramzi Thomas Ossi, with whom she shared 52 years of marriage until his passing in 2020. Together, they were devoted members of St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Jacksonville Beach and lifelong supporters of The Danny Thomas Foundation (St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital).

Together, they built a life marked by dedication, hospitality, and joy, with Ramzi’s spirited love of sports and family gatherings, and Adele’s gentle strength and nurturing care. Their steadfast generosity touched countless lives.

In her youth, Adele loved roller skating, but her greatest joy throughout her life was her family, especially her many nieces, nephews, and godchildren. Her love for children, both within her family and beyond, was a defining part of her legacy. She nurtured each of them with small acts of kindness, thoughtful gestures, and a calm presence that will be long remembered.

Adele lived a life of steadfast care and immeasurable kindness. She gave freely of her heart, never seeking recognition, and always placing the needs of others before her own. Her legacy endures in the children she cherished, the family she nurtured, and the community she supported. She leaves behind a lasting example of strength, dedication, and love, a life marked by faith, loyalty, and the beauty of caring for others without expectation.

A funeral Mass will be held on December 6, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 523 Pablo Avenue, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250.

Following the Mass, family and friends are invited to a reception and celebration of Adele’s life at Strings Sports Brewery, 1618 Penman Road, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250.

Adele’s family extends heartfelt thanks to all relatives, friends, and caregivers who enriched her life with companionship, support, and love. May her memory be a blessing, and may her gentle soul rest in eternal peace.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org), continuing Adele and Ramzi’s lifelong commitment to helping children in need.