Anthianne Balabanis

Anthianne (Anthia) Balabanis born March 23, 1937 in Westfield, MA to George and Elizabeth (Polyologos) Balabanis. She was born with Cerebral Palsy, however she went to public school, graduating from Westfield High School in 1955. She received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from American International College followed by a Master of Education Degree from Springfield College.

Anthia's life took her from Massachussettes to New Hampshire, Virginia, California and back to Virginia. While in New Hampshire she worked for the Department of Education and then West Side Regional Center in Los Angeles, CA until she retired to Virginia Beach, VA. After 15 years in Virginia Beach, she moved to Martinsville, VA where she remained until her passing.

Her accomplishments were too many to list, her sense of humor, a joy to all who encountered her, her caring and compassion, unbounding. She was stubborn, determined and above all, fiercely independent. Loyal to her friends, of which she had many, all over the country, a lot of them, lifelong. She was the best daughter, sister, aunt and friend one could wish for and she will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Anthia enjoyed music and in particular classical music and favored opera. She was an avid reader and especially loved poetry. One of her favorite verses by one of her favorite poets, Elizabeth Dickinson, expresses her love of a simple life and is as follows:

If I can stop one heart from breaking,

I shall not live in vain;

If I can ease one life the aching,

Or cool one pain,

Or help one fainting robin

Into its nest again,

I shall not live in vain.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Elizabeth Balabanis, two brothers, Theofilos (Ted) and Michael Balabanis.

She is survived by her two nieces, Elizabeth Murphy and Georgiana Melatti. She is also survived by Elaine and Jannie Koumparakis who cared for her in so many ways throughout her life and inspired her to write poetry about them, Sara Boyd and her loving family who adopted her and gave her a whole new family that she adored, Victoria Blaire (and family) and Barbara Arthur (and Family) who were a comfort to her and she appreciated their kindness. She would undoubtedly thank the staff at Stanleytown Health and Rehabilitation in Basset, VA for their caregiving the past 7 years and the comfort they brought her until the end.

There will be a luncheon and celebration of life for family and friends to be announced at a later date.

Memorial Donations may be made to, American International College, 1000 State Street Springfield, MA 01109 and/or Springfield College 263 Alden Street Springfield, MA 01109-3739.