Hello Regie, thank you for the memories! I don't believe we have met, but I worked with your loving wife at Centre City.  Peace and blessings!

Hello, Boo.

It's your sweetheart.

I've gotten some requests to post your eulogy.  It was the hardest and most personal thing I've ever had to write and share.  And while you were so much more than I was able to portray in two and a half pages, it is my hope that I have captured a verbal snapshot of our brief, yet wonderful time together.


********** DEANNA'S EULOGY **********

Thank you all for coming.  For those of you who don't know me...my name is Regie... I am DeAnna's husband.

It was Friday... sometime during 1995.  (If DeAnna were here, she'd probably remember the exact date.)  I was sitting at my workstation at Centre City Continuing Education in downtown San Diego.  DeAnna worked across the hall in the computer lab as an Instructional Assistant.  DeAnna was off that day, but I knew... I knew she'd be in... because it was payday... and she'd have to come to the main office, where I was, to pick up her check.

I had rehearsed and rehearsed and rehearsed, but still, my stomach was churning.

When DeAnna finally came in, I waited until she had signed for her check.  When she was about to leave, I stood up from my desk and grabbed her attention.

"Uh... DeAnna?" I said.

"Yes?" she responded.

I had a piece of paper in my hand... and it was shaking.  It was shaking because my hand was trembling.  I was petrified.  I could feel beads of sweat on my forehead.  My face was burning up.  "Do you...do you have any plans this weekend?" I asked.

She shook her head.  "No, I'm not doing anything".

Hands still trembling, I continued: "Would you... maybe... like to go to a movie?  Or grab a bite to eat?  Or go out for coffee...?"  (Even though I don't drink coffee.)  My heart was racing.

But DeAnna said  "Okay".

And... as cliche as this sounds, "the rest is history".

A few years later, if you're curious, I proposed to DeAnna at the Grand Canyon.  The joke being that if she said "no"... I could just jump off and into the canyon.

DeAnna was a traveler.  I am the opposite.  Before DeAnna, I had no urge…, no compulsion to travel.   Before we'd even met, she'd gone to places like France, Switzerland, and the Bahamas.  If there was a place somewhere in the world she wanted to see, she'd go.  She was indeed a traveler.  So what did that mean for me?  It meant that I got to go and see places like Italy, Spain, and Australia.  One of the things I loved saying was that I would "grudgingly" go on these trips... that I would just tag along... but in the end, when we got to our destination, I always had a good time.

Now... as it turns out, between the two of us, I became the main cook.  And that was fine.  I loved cooking for her... I loved asking her on the weekends, "What do you want to eat this week?"  But, even though I did most of the cooking, there was a dish she was known for among my coterie.  And that was gumbo.  Christmas parties... New Year's gatherings... birthday parties... my friends would ask: "Is DeAnna coming?"  Because if she was, chances are, she'd be making her gumbo.

Yet, even though I didn't mind cooking, DeAnna still enjoyed going out to eat and sampling new cuisines... especially if she had a 2-for-1 coupon.  She never restricted herself.  She scoured San Diego for new restaurants to try.  And not just in San Diego.  If we were in L.A.... or San Francisco... or Las Vegas... or San Luis Obispo... or New Orleans, she wanted to try new things.  And if I wasn't in the mood to go, she'd go alone.  That's how independent and adventurous she was.  By the way... Kentucky Fried Chicken in Spain doesn't taste the same as Kentucky Fried Chicken here in America.

DeAnna was a devoted daughter.  Oftentimes, she left to go to work at 6:50 or 7:00 in the morning.  She would work a full day, and then go visit her mom in a nursing home.  She wouldn't return home until 8:30 or 9:00 in the evening.  If her mom had an appointment, DeAnna took her.  But she wanted to do even more for her mom.  Oftentimes, she would be wondering out loud "Where can I take my mom?"  She wanted to take her mom out of the nursing home from time to time... even for just a little while.  Even if they just went driving without a particular destination.

Now... we all make plans for life.  Plans to go shopping... plans to go to the movies... plans for a career... we all make plans for life.  Then one day, someone smarter than me made a slight correction.  He said: “You can try to make plans, but then… life happens.”

When DeAnna and I were married, the plan was that we would grow old together. Unfortunately, things didn't work out.  Life happened.

So what do I do now?  What is my plan?  A friend of mine asked: "What am I going to do to honor her memory?"  Well... our home is a work in-progress.  There are things that DeAnna wanted to get done, but did not have a chance to get to.  There are pictures to be put up.  There is a side yard that needs attention.  She's always wanted granite counter-tops.  And that's where I'll start.  I will make our home what I know she wanted it to be.  By putting up those pictures... seeing that our side yard gets done... by someday getting granite countertops.

I will miss eating out with her and going to the movies with her.  I will miss packing her lunch in the morning before work.  I will miss her determination.  I will miss her smile.  I will miss sharing my life with her.

DeAnna considered me a geek... a nerd.  And... an example of my geekiness would be... if you were to feed me a quote from the original Star Wars movie: A New Hope... chances are, I'd be able to give you the next line in the movie.  I can see DeAnna shaking her head... I can hear her saying: "What a geek... you're such a nerd.”  That being said, I'm going to close with a short quote from the movie 300.

DeAnna Louis-Balintec... you are, and will always be... 

My queen...

My wife...

My love.

****************************

Dear Reggie and family, 
Please accept my deepest condolence for your loss. DeAnna was a special friend. I will never forget her smile and hugs. I admired the love you had for each other. And I hope you find strength and support from family and friends.

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Dear Reggie, this was really a shock for me. I  was at church all day and had not read e-mail until today,Tues.the 26. She and you were a beautiful couple through out our work years, so God be with you during this time of sorrow.

                                                                     Mary E. Jones

Heartfelt sympathy and condolences go out to our relatives in California. Sincerely, The Miller Family and The Louis Family in Louisiana and throughout the country.

Dear Regie,

I'm so sorry for your loss. Please accept my condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

My heart pours out to all of your family.  DeAnna was a great friend and long time co-worker.  Reggie, you have an Angel who loves you forever!  I am grateful for being blessed to have shared many laughs and smiles with her.  Unforgettable!

I will miss seeing Deanna's beautiful smile and hearing her warm hello's in the Admissions Office. My condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends.

Really sorry to hear this,I'm at a loss for words right now. Gonna miss you, You are the funniest cousin I have. I haven't been around much, I miss you.

To DeAnna's Family,
My deepest condolences for your loss. I am very grateful for knowing DeAnna and have many fond memories with her.

To Reg,
As one of my oldest friends, I want thank you for bringing DeAnna into our group of friends. Aside from her gumbo that was devoured at our get-togethers, DeAnna always brought a smile that would brighten up the room. You two made a perfect couple and I am so happy to have known her over the years. 

I scoured photo albums of our past events together trying to find the right picture to include as a memory here. This one just seemed “right” to me. DeAnna by your side with her beautiful smile as you did “ta-tonka”. Great memories my friend.

Dear Regie,
We are so sorry about DeAnna. I can imagine if she could speak to us today she would say, "You may wonder why I went away, and didn't say goodbye.  I could not bear to tell you, because it hurts me when you cry.  My ship came in on Monday night, and beautiful it was to see.  For the captain was King Jesus, and he beckoned for me.  I ran across the leeway, and fell down at his feet.  He gently took me in his arms, and now I rest in peace."
Love,
Mimi and Thresa

DeAnna was so full of life!It's good to know that she seized ech day and married the man that she had dreamed of-What a blessing. So happy to have spent a little time with her when she came to see her father's sister Aunt Albertine a couple of years ago. XO Always, Cousin Monica Juliana Miller

November 24, 2013
To the Family of Louis-Balintec:
My sincere condolences at this difficult time as a fellow member of the Mesa College Staff.
I was deeply saddened and surprised by the loss of DeAnna.
Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Sincerely,
W. "Kathy" Archer

Your light will FOREVER shine brightly.   Well done my sister.

Dear Reggie and DeAnna's family please accept my deep felt condolences. DeAnna would scold me when I mispronounce her name, other than that she's allways been a sweet friend and co-worker for 22+ years to me. We gave each other a huge last time we saw eachother at Kiser Clinic in Point Loma. We both shared some of our information from work. We allways pick up where we last left off, DeAnna and I had that friendship, eventhough we worked at different campuses. In the begining when we met at Centre City and is where we began our frindship, she used to tell me some things about Reggie.  How she felt around him. Plus what a gentleman he was during courtship. One time she said. "Susanna, Regie is the man of my dreams"!
I answered to her not to be afraid, and that he seemed like a great guy. I left Centre City, than years later she told me that they were towether and planning on getting married!! 
DeAnna was super happy! That is How I want to remember her...with her melow and happy personality. DeAna's smile will allways be with me. To my loving friend DeAna with Amor y Respeto from Susanna Garibay

Reggie and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all during this difficult time. I worked with DeAnna in the BOT program at Cuyamaca College. She always had such a welcoming smile as she worked with the students in the lab. I was stunned and saddened when I received this terrible news of her much too early passing. May your fond memories comfort you in the days and years to come.

Dear Regie, I am so sorry to hear the news about Deanna.  Although I never had the opportunity meet her, I am sure she was a wonderful partner and loving wife.  Cherish the moments and memories you had together..the times you loved, laughed and smiled.  Hold onto these in your heart and she will always be with you.   My prayers and sympathies are with you and your families.

Dear Reggie
I am very sorry for your loss. My most heart felt condolences.

Reggie & family, my deepest condolences on your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

Reggie,

May God provide comfort and peace for you and your families right now in your hour of need. I will keep you in my prayers, and I am deeply sorry to hear of your loss of a much loved one. God Bless you Reggie. 

Miki (city admissions)

Dearest Regie and Family,

Losing someone is never easy. We are saddened by her loss. We cannot even imagine what you're going through, but this we do know... 

The day you introduced her to us as your girlfriend, I've never seen you smile so big. It was clear she was going to be someone special. How lucky are you!

Then when we saw Deanna again but this time as your wife, I could tell you felt like the luckiest man in the world. She has this gentle smile that makes it so easy to talk to her. And you got to wake up to that beautiful smile every morning. How lucky are you!

I was always impressed that she remembered our kids' names. And when she would hold and give them such a warm embrace, you could tell she's a very generous person. How lucky are you to receive her hugs every day!

The two of you are completely committed to each other. From her delicious gumbo, to your thoughtful lunch preparations for her, it was so easy to see you two are in love. Many people leave this earth lonely. But Deanna chose to be with you. Up until the day she took her last breath. How. Lucky. Are. You.

Please know Regie we are here for you now and always. We will surely miss Deanna, our  lovely friend, a loving angel. God bless you.

Dear Regie, my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Deanna will surely be missed!

Dear Reggie & Family, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May God comfort you with his peace and strength.

Reggie,
Deanna was a beautiful soul. From when we first met, she always had a smile and was a joy to be around. I offer you my sympathy, my strength and friendship in this difficult time.

Dear Regie & family,
I am so sorry for your loss. DeAnna was such a dear friend. I remember when you two were still dating and feeling so happy that you found someone to be your partner in life. 

I will always remember our "lunch adventures" fondly. We used to go out quite a bit and try out different ethnic cuisines. She was so much fun to be with and very knowledgeable about so many things (music, movies, food, pop culture). She was also an excellent cook and her gumbo was always a hit at our gatherings with our friends.

I will miss DeAnna so very much. Please accept my deepest sympathy.

Dear Regie;  
All of us send our deepest sympathy; we only wish we could be with you in your time of sorrow. Deanna was a wonderful person, talented and loving, and I know that you have suffered a great loss. I wish there was something we could say or do to comfort you.

Accounting, City College, Shirin

Dear Regie and family,
I remember Deanna from the SDCC computor lab days, she was so kind and helpful.  My deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers are with you.

Dear Regie & Family, I am so sorry for your loss.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Regie,
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.  My deepest sympathy for your lost.

It is with my deepest sympathy,  that I'am  so sorry for your lost. I knew Deanna and you Regie from Centre City before you guys were married i use to see her in the hallway at Centre City and she was always smiling whenever i passed in the hall she was dedicated to her job and thats going to be missed here at SDCCD God bless you and guide you through this sad time may God be with you and all your families. 
SDCC Facilities Department
Supervisor I Leo Edge

Regie,
My deepest sympathy to you...my heart hurt to hear of DeAnna's passing.  She would tell me of a few of your outings and truly lived life to the fullest.  She was always one of the most genuine and empathetic individuals to our students in DSPS and a good friend.  May God comfort you and your family through this difficult time....Until we meet again, DeAnna, Rest in Paradise.

My sympathies to Regie and family. I so enjoyed working with DeAnna at City College and later at Cuyamaca College. She was such a sweet soul with a big heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Dear Regie and Fsmily,
I am so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you.  I was fortunate enough to meet Deanna before you two got married. I had the pleasure of exchanging a few words with her when she came to see you at work. She was always warm and gracious. I am glad that the two of you shared all those years together because I know you will cherish those memories. My thoughts and prayers for you and both families.

With deepest sympathy, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May the Lord comfort you and give you peace.

My friend, Deanna,... it was a pleasure and a blessing knowing Deanna. We met at Centre City and worked together at the same campus for several years, we shared some "Happy Hour" get-togethers with friends/co-workers. She always had a smile for everyone and when Love struck her (Reggie) she just radiated happiness. I will forever remember my friend, Deanna. Rest in Peace.  -gloria

My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

My sympathies and prayers to her and her family on the lost of such a sweet and kind woman, I will miss her more than ever now.

I was fortunate enough to learn from Deanna while a student at Centre City.  I had the pleasure of working with her both as a VA Work Study, and during my early days as a classified employee of the San Diego Community College District.  She was always a warm, gracious, and beautiful person.  She was a Real Jewel, and Reggie, I am Very Sorry For your loss!  I am also Very Glad that the two of you were Blessed to Share a life Together!

 I really miss her smile and warm greeting that we gave each other in the mornings when we opened up at work.  She was always  kind and helpful when ever you talked to her.  She had such a wonderful spirit and kindness about her.  She was a joy to work with and will be truly missed by all that connected with her.  Her passing really hurt my heart and she was taken from us much too soon.  My prayers go out to her husband and family.  May God bless.

Reggie and family,  
DeAnna was so devoted to those closest to her. She worked hard to ease their way. Her sense of humor was as great as her smile. DeAnna tried to right the wrongs with humor and concern. DeAnna will always be with you to watch over you and guide you. She will be greatly missed.

My prayers goes out to the family.  I had the opportunity of working with Deanna at Centre City and always enjoyed our converstations. She always had a beautiful smile.  Rest in Peace Deanna.

Words seem inadequate, Reggie, to express the sadness felt about the passing of Deanna.  Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your loved one.

DeAnna, I may not have known you too well personally but seeing you every morning when I walked into the building headed for work and you greeted me with a huge smile and a cheerful “Good Morning” always made my day brighter. My condolences and prayers are with your family and loved ones.

I truly enjoyed sharing moments with DeAnna talking about our mothers.  I miss her smile and friendly demeanor at the Admissions counter. Rest in peace Sister.

May your light continue to shine in each of our hearts, smiles and life.

Reggie and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Deanna was always smiling. She was always very caring, a very generous and loving personality. I will miss her very much.

Dee, your everyday smile and bubbly personality was so contagious in the office. Having the same work-break schedule gave us the opportunity learn a lot about each other, like both of us residing in Eastlake and talking about the many eateries in our area. My thoughts and prayers are with you Dee, especially for your husband and your family.

I am unfortunate to only have know DeAnna for a short period of time because she was a very kind and loving person.  She always had a smile on her face and spoke kind words to everyone.  She will be missed but not forgotten in our hearts.

Reggie, my heart felt condolences to you and your family.  I now Dee is looking down on you with all her love and devotion.  Dee will always have a place in my heart as a friend, and co-worker. God Bless You Always.

Regie,
I am truly sorry for your loss. I know how truly special Deanna was as a friend, and confidant. I will miss her laugh, smile and joyful personality. God has blessed us all to be a part of her brief life.

My prayers go out to you and your family.

DeAnna, words cannot express the sadness I feel in my heart, and I will miss you dearly. You were like a little sister to me and I felt protective, wanting only happiness and blessings for you. For the many meals we shared discussing life's circumstamces over the past 27 years, I am eternally grateful for the time we spent together. I'm praying for your husband and family, and we will all keep your beautiful spirit in our hearts forever. Love you, Richie Mitchell

Words cannot describe how I feel about you not being here, not be able to see your beautiful smile, hear your laughter, telling me "mijo". You made such an impact in my life and all I can tell you is Thank You for having me as your friend, it was an honor.. You will always be my angel. I'm sending you a big bear hug. With respect and admiration, Jose (aka mijo).

Regie I was deeply saddened by the news of Deanna's passing. My heart felt condolences to you and your family.Please let me know if there is anything I can do.- Tavaris Ray-Franklin

Dear Regie and family,

I am so very sad to have heard the news of DeAnna's untimely passing. When I think about DeAnna, I remember so many things!  I remember how she shared with me the excitement of when you two bought your first house!  She showed me pictures online and was so happy!  I remember her telling her workmates that she was leaving for her lunch break and we would always ask what was on the menu that you lovingly prepared for her!  She always bragged about your culinary skills!  And, we all wanted to taste Regie's fine cooking!  I remember her signature hairstyle; ponytail to the side; she always looked so polished and graceful!  I remember going through our Master's program at National University together and talking about the interesting coursework.   I remember sharing our joy together when we earned our Master's Degree!  I remember teaching with her out at Cuyamaca College in the BOT Program!  We attended Flex-type activities together and enjoyed our teaching experience there.  I remember DeAnna's beautiful face and heart!  She as a lovely person!  She was a dear friend and I will always remember her kindness and sweet nature.

I pray that God gives you peace, love and understanding.  Please let me and my family know if there is anything we can do during this very challenging time for you and your family.  DeAnna will always live on in the hearts and chersihed memories of those who loved her.  

In Christ's Abundant Love,

Lori Oldham and Family

I'll miss you so much my Dee.  You were like a daughter to me.  I will always love you and miss hearing you laugh.  Love always, Terri

OBITUARY

DeAnna Mae Louis-Balintec

August 23, 1964 – November 11, 2013

Glen Abbey Memorial Park & Mortuary

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