Constance "Connie" Balzola

Constance “Connie” Balzola 83, of Kingsford, MI, passed away on April 10, 2017 at Manor Care Health Services in Kingsford, with her sister Susie by her side. Connie was born on December 3, 1933 in Marquette, Michigan, daughter of Wilfrid and Helen (Lemin) Martin. She has been a lifelong resident of this area and was a 1951 graduate of Iron Mountain High School. Despite life dealing the tragic losses of both of her husbands and her son, she always carried much love, joy, spirit and faith everywhere she went. It is impossible to count the number of people she has helped or touched over the years. Her personality was so infectious that it could wrap a room in happiness so quickly that it was hard to believe it came from such a tiny body. We all have so many memories of her that it is hard to pick just one to share that conveys how wonderful she was and just how much she will be missed. We are relieved that she is now at peace and although we will miss her terribly, we will always smile when we remember her. Connie was involved in many things, mostly through her faith life at American Martyrs Chruch, including Religious Ed Coordinator for over 20 years, choir member, Thursday breakfast team, funeral dinner member and money counter. She treasured many lifelong friendships and was always making new friends. She was recently honored as a sixty year member of the community choir. She also was involved in community theatre and made a great fiddler on the roof. She was the glue helping to keep our large extended family close and connected. Connie leaves a legacy of a faith filled life that she shared with her many family members and friends. She taught us to always persevere in faith with Jesus and His church. Fear is useless, trust is what is needed. Connie was preceded in death by her husband James in 1979 and her second husband, Norman Flemington in 2004; also by her son, Peter; a brother, Robert Martin and an infant sister, Joyce Marie Martin Connie was the beloved mother of Paul (Kelley) Balzola of Marinette, WI and Patricia (Sonny Williams) Moore of Phoenix, AZ. She also leaves seven grandchildren, Justin (Ryann) Balzola, Jim, Tony, Nick, Mike, Sami and John Balzola; two great grandchildren, Brody and Bailey; brothers, James (Betty) Martin of Ashville, NC and Paul (Diane) Martin of Green Bay, WI; sisters, Jean Bell of Ogden Dunes, IN, Judy (Lynn Jondahl) Martin of East Lansing, MI and Susan (Jack) Hooper of Iron Mountain. Connie is also survived by her beloved step children, Kevin, Laurie, Patty, Eric and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Connie’s family would especially like to thank her special angels, Beth Linn and Susie Hooper. Visitation will be from 9:00- 10:30am on Monday, April 17th at the Kingsford Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 11:00am Monday at American Martyrs Church in Kingsford. Fr. Joseph Gouin will off the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial will be in Iron Mountain Cemetery Park. In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established in her memory. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Connie Balzola online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Kingsford Funeral Home with the arrangements.

Constance "Connie" Balzola

December 3, 1933 - April 10, 2017