Winifred “Winnie” Balzano a resident of Pelham for 40 years passed away peacefully in her sleep surrounded by her loving family on March 17, 2022.

Winnie was born on the lower east side of Manhattan on March 29, 1941 to Ethel and Frederick Vogel. She had an older brother, Stanford Vogel, who passed away in August, 2021. Her family moved up to the Bronx where she attended Grace Dodge High School and earned a degree in Commercial/Fine Art. She received a full scholarship to the Fashion Institute of Technology and instead of attending, she met and married the love of her life, Thomas Joseph Balzano. They remained married until his death in 2017. They were happily married for 57 years.

Together they had three children and eventually, with the thought of providing her children with a better education, they moved up to Pelham leaving many close friendships behind. Winnie was an avid lover of cats and her home was filled with them. An artist in many capacities, she painted, sculpted, was a creative writer, crocheted, knitted, designed,and made beautiful clothing for her children, herself and her mom. As a member of the New Rochelle Art Association, her work was recognized and lauded with numerous awards. One of her paintings of Glenwood Lake was chosen for the city’s calendar where it hung for one year in the Mayor’s office.

In addition to her artistic abilities, Winnie was a handy woman and was adept at carpentry and home improvements. Before DIY videos, she finished a basement, built closets, bathrooms, a rock garden, wall-papered, plastered, and tiled floors.

Winnie had a zest for life and living and she shared her love of music, dance, classic films, Broadway plays / musicals, and satirical humor with her children.

Winnie was a woman of integrity and she first and foremost taught her children to be loving, kind, generous of heart and never prejudicial against anyone. Our home was one that welcomed all and our mom was profoundly proud of that.

Winnie was a devoted wife and mother. She made sure that her family had a delicious, well balanced meal every evening replete with a homemade dessert. Winnie will be missed by her children Georgette C. Law, Elaina R. Balzano, David S. Balzano, her grandchildren, Kyle F. Law, his fiance, Noelle S. Hansley, Avery O. Rock, and Dayla M. Rock and close family members and esteemed friends Michael Rock, Jet Matteo, Joan Kahn, Marie Arminio and Angie Caputo.

A celebration of Winnie’s life will take place at the Pelham Funeral Home located at 64 Lincoln Ave., Pelham NY on Tuesday, March, 22nd from 4-8 pm. Interment will take place on Wednesday, March 23rd at Calverton National Cemetery located at Wading River, NY at 11 am. For more information or to leave a condolence please visit www.pelhamfuneral.com

Editor’s note: This obituary was provided by the Pelham Funeral Home.