Donna Rae (Balzarini) Burton
June 10, 1933 – Sept. 30, 2015
Donna passed away at Valley Medical Center on September 30 surrounded by her husband, three children, two sons-in laws, two siblings and their spouses, two grandchildren, two nieces, and one great niece. In typical Balzarini/Burton fashion, every major event includes a large and loud family crowd.
Donna was born in Renton to Louis and Nice Balzarini, lived her early life on Renton Hill, and graduated from Renton High School in 1951. Since then she helped plan many High School reunions. She met her sweetheart, Ollie Burton through her best friend; and they were married in February of 1954, where they settled in Renton to raise their family.
Donna’s greatest delight was her grandchildren. From toddlers to teens, she and Ollie rarely missed a play, concert, sacramental celebration, soccer or volleyball match, basketball, baseball, or softball game.
Both Donna and Ollie should be recognized for their exceptional love of family and friends. Donna’s title of Mom, Aunt, and Grandma went well beyond her own children and grandchildren; it was also extended to nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, longtime friends, and their children. Every Halloween, she looked forward to a visit from the little ones; who along with their parents, loved her awesome popcorn balls and extra heap of candy.
Donna also enjoyed the fellowship of her parish, St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic Church in Renton, where she spent several years as a volunteer with the Visitation Guild. She was an avid Huskies, Sonics, Seahawks, Sounders, and Mariners fan. As if she weren’t suffering enough in her last few months, the only thing she ever wanted to watch on TV was the Mariners.
Donna is survived by her husband of 61 years, Ollie; children Clarice (Dana), Gayle (Dave), and John; grandchildren Kelsey, Alexandra, Kyle, Kellen, and Rachel; siblings Louis (Chris), and Vicki (Rick); and a multitude of Balzarini, Cecchini, and Burton cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her siblings Jean, John, and Nadine.
Special thanks extended to the Northwest Kidney Center in Renton and Judson Park Health Care Center in Des Moines.
A funeral Mass will be held at St. Stephen the Martyr Parish, 13055 SE 192nd Street, Renton, WA 98058 on Tuesday, October 13, 2015 at 10:30 am. A luncheon will follow in the Parish Hall, and a burial ceremony will take place at Greenwood Memorial Park, 350 Monroe Avenue NE, Renton, WA 98056.
In recognition of Donna’s 35-year career as a bookkeeper for the Salvation Army, donations may be made to the Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) at 1010 4th Avenue South, Seattle, WA 98134.
