Joyce Marie Balzer

Joyce Marie Balzer from Rockford, IL, passed away peacefully in her home at the age of 86 on July 07, 2023, surrounded by her devoted husband and children. Joyce was born south of LaMoille, Illinois on December 31, 1936, to Joseph Everett and Mary Bickett. In 1968, she met her beloved husband, Robert (Bob) Balzer. They were married in the summer of 1969. Joyce had her first child when she was 33 and quickly she and Bob had a full quiver with their 8 blessings in 11 years. They were further blessed with 55 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren… So far! It's guaranteed that Joyce’s face would light up anytime a baby was placed in her arms, and it was absolutely her greatest joy in life! She was "a natural" when it came to caring for babies.

Before children, Joyce obtained a Bachelors in Education and Masters in Guidance Counseling at Marquette University and a second Masters in Social Work from the University of Illinois. She did missionary work in East St. Louis, MO. After graduation, she began her career in Rockford, as a teacher at Highland School. Joyce went on to practice social work and guidance counseling for countless students in the Rockford Public Schools. Joyce truly had a passion for helping students in need until she finally retired at the age of 72. It was of utmost importance that her children received a quality education. Together, Bob and Joyce made the necessary sacrifices to give their eight children a Catholic education at Holy Family Catholic Grade School and Boylan Catholic High School. All of their children went on to higher education.

Joyce’s Catholic faith was central to her life and she demonstrated exemplary modeling with her witness. Most Sunday evenings, the family gathered in the comfort of their living room, praying the cenacle rosary together, led by Joyce.

Joyce, a wonderful mother, often provided cherished memories, such as hearty pot roasts on Sunday afternoons, homemade apple pies, home videos, and popular musicals played on the record player. Fun with the family was a priority for Joyce. Her children fondly reminisce memories of family activities centered around swimming, bike rides, tennis and softball games, in which Joyce typically played as the pitcher. Bob and Joyce were known for orchestrating summer, month-long, family camping trips in their “retro” green, Champion motorhome. Adventures out West, and down south to Florida were some of their favorite destinations. Joyce enjoyed visiting loved ones such as her siblings' families, extended family in Kentucky, and Bob’s family in Wisconsin. After experiencing the tragedy of a tornado as a child, demolishing her family home and losing everything, Joyce saw to it that her own children's needs were well provided for. She saw to it that they were dressed in new clothes, and sometimes she even sewed matching outfits for her girls when they were younger. It was apparent that Joyce wanted quality for her family.

In the last few years of her life, Joyce relied entirely on her loving and devoted husband, Bob, as her primary caregiver. His saintly love and devotion to her was an incredible witness to the family and all the grandchildren. Thanks to Dad, Mom was well cared for! She will be greatly missed!

Joyce was predeceased by her parents Everett and Mary Rita Bickett, brothers Mike and Joe Bickett, sisters Sister Mary Joseph and Barbara Cauwels, son Steven Balzer and granddaughter Sarah Kate Armato. She is survived by her husband Robert, 7 children - Shari (Carl) Armato, Mary (Chris) Dausman, Teresa (Steve) Ambrose, Sandi(Jamey) Ware, Kimberly (James) Sardegna, John Balzer, Dave (Brea) Balzer, and Kerry Balzer (Steven’s wife), 55 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren; siblings John Bickett and Rita Becker.

A visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, July 12, 2023 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S Mulford Rd, Rockford, IL. Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, July 13, 2023 at 11:00am preceded by an hour of visitation at 10:00 am at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4401 Highcrest Rd, Rockford, IL. To view the funeral Mass by livestream click on the following link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjIiR4zLUye3HSbuoQLDxGg/live. The family requests that all flowers and notes are sent to Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory. Memorials may be made to the family.