Eileen Ballanco (nee Donnelly) 1927-2018, 91. Jesus welcomed into his arms Eileen Ballanco on November 13. Eileen was born in Paterson, NJ. After marrying the love of her life she moved to Montvale, NJ, in 1948 where she raised her 10 children. She is preceded in death by her loving husband of 54 years, Edward Thomas Ballanco, her daughter Jo-Ann Sommer, granddaughter Heidi Schroeder, son-in-law Warren Schroeder, sisters, Evelyn, and Betty, and brother Walter. Survived by her sister Anne Douma and her cherished children: Edward M. and Eileen Ballanco of Williamsburg, VA, Evelyn Schroeder of Warwick, NY, Julius and Judith Ballanco of Munster, IN, Jeffrey and Amy Ballanco of Montvale, NJ, Jerry and Sue Ballanco of Basking Ridge, NJ, Michael and Laurie Ballanco of Somerset, NJ, Donna and Nick Caggiano of Weare, NH, Susan and Peter Leavy of Glen Spey, NY, and Thomas and Te’sa Ballanco of Douglas City, CA., Son-In-Law Todd Sommer and his wife Marlene. Loving grandmother of 26 with one more due in December and 33 great grandchildren. Many nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. Eileen was a registered nurse. She was Vice President and a managing partner of Ballanco Plumbing and Heating Inc., a company which she started with her husband in 1955. She was a devout Catholic and a very active member of Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Park Ridge, NJ for over seventy years where she taught CCD for many years. She was also a member of Cornerstone and various bible study groups. She was Past President of the Montvale Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. She traveled the world to visit her children and grandchildren. She was present for every major event in her grandchildren’s and great grandchildren’s lives. Eileen was never without a bright smile on her face. She would light up the room when she entered. Every December 26th she hosted all of her family in the celebration of life and Christmas. The party regularly had crowds in excess of 85 family members. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends. Visiting hours will be Sunday November 18, 2 to 4 and 7-9 PM at Becker Funeral Home 219 Kinderkamack Road., Westwood, NJ. Funeral mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Mercy Church, Park Ridge, NJ, on Monday November 19 at 10:00 AM with entombment following at Ascension Cemetery, Airmont, NY. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
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