Anna Jane Balagia

Anna Jane Sherwood Balagia, born January 22, 1932, in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully at home on April 29, 2026, at the age of 94. She is preceded in death by her parents, Walter Brewster Sherwood and Margaret Mary Miller Sherwood, brother, Jefferson “Lou” Sherwood, sister, Shirley Hake and her beloved husband of 60 years, Charles Bob “Bobby” Balagia.

She is survived by her four sons, Charles Balagia and spouse, Kathy; David Balagia and spouse, Belinda; Walter Balagia and spouse, Susan; Jeff Balagia and spouse, Jane Rose. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Amanda Holland, Heather Davis, Bobby Balagia, Warren Nick Balagia, Matthew Balagia, Deborah Ann Rodriguez, Alice Balagia, Sarah Balagia, Michelle Esquivel, Jonathan Balagia and Jessica Balagia; and her great grandchildren, Alex Balagia, Savannah Balagia, Brooklynn Balagia, Kaitlyn Holland, Riley Davis, Piper Davis, Owen Balagia, Moon Balagia, Crystal Balagia and Walter Esquivel.

Anna grew up in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania before moving with her family to Albuquerque, New Mexico. It was there that she met her husband of over 60 years, Bobby Balagia, while he was stationed at Kirtland Air Force Base. The couple wed shortly after her 21st birthday and relocated to Bobby’s hometown of Austin, Texas, where she raised their four sons and spent the remainder of her life.

Anna was a woman of deep conviction–a devout Catholic who began every day with the Rosary, and a staunch Democrat who spoke her mind frequently on the importance of equality and social justice. Her professional life was marked by the same dedication she gave her family; after devoting her early years to raising her children and working as a nurse at Seton Hospital, Anna enjoyed a long and dedicated career with the IRS, retiring after 33 years of service.

She possessed an indomitable spirit, evidenced by her unwavering commitment to activity, to which she attributed her long life and mental acuity—maintaining daily gym sessions and multiple walks well into her ninety-third year. Her resilience was further evidenced by her medical history–after receiving a full liver transplant in 2001, she remained, at the time of her passing, the longest-living liver transplant recipient in Texas.

Above all, Anna was a devoted and beloved grandmother. She was never happier than when entertaining her grandchildren–whether playing games of hide the thimble, taking trips to local swimming pools during summer vacations, or showing up to every sporting event or awards ceremony. For those who knew her, she was a constant source of unconditional love, pride and support–a steady presence who made each of them feel uniquely cherished–and will be greatly missed by us all.

The family would like to thank Magnolia Hospice and their wonderful staff of nurses and aides, in particular Melanie, R.N. and Maria, CNA, for the compassion, dignity and love they showed Anna in the final month of her life. Her memory is a light that will continue to brighten our lives and our hearts, guiding us as we carry her spirit with us until we are together again.