Obituary of Leontine Ballon

Leontine “Tina” M. (Pitta) Ballon passed away after a brief illness, at the Lahey Clinic Medical Center on Sunday, August 11, 2013. The beloved wife for 62 years of Carmelo Richard Ballon, she was 96 years old. Tina was born in Lowell. She was the daughter of the late Manuel and Maria Pitta. At the age of two Tina’s mom passed away and she was sent to Madeira Island to live with her grandmother. At the age of 4 she was sent to an orphanage run by nuns. Tina returned to the United States at the age of 18. After returning to the United States she worked at Gillette in Boston. She met her husband Carmelo Richard at a dance at the State Ballroom in Boston. They dated for 6 months and married on January 6, 1951. In 1955 Tina and Carmelo moved to Burlington where they raised their children. Tina and Carmelo had a passion for dancing whether it was ballroom dancing or square dancing. They belonged to the Red Hot Squares Club in Burlington, which was a square dancing group, from 1962 – 1979. Tina sewed her own square dancing outfit from the dress to the petticoat! Once her children were in school Tina went to work for the Burlington school system in the Cafeteria. This was the perfect job for Tina as she could leave for work after her children left for school and be home before them. She worked at the Memorial, Pine Glen and the High School. Tina was a talented seamstress and did embroidery, knitting and crocheting. She enjoyed going to the Burlington Council on Aging and participating in their activities such as beano! Tina was blessed to live 96 years with a devoted and loving husband and children that she was very proud of. Tina was the beloved wife of 62 years of Carmelo Richard Ballon. Loving mother of Jackie Maida & her companion Wayne Rucker of Cambridge, Dianne Ballon of Portland, ME and Richard Ballon of Amherst, MA. Adopted mother of Patty (Peitzsch) Sasso & her husband James of Tewksbury. Sister of the late Manuel Pitta. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Friday, August 16 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass in St. Malachy Church, 99 Bedford St., Burlington at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Wednesday, August 14 from 5-8 p.m. Internment in Pine Haven Cemetery, Burlington. Memorial’s in Tina’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. www.stjude.org hanksgiving You simply think your mother will always remember the birthday card, the Easter egg. Like clockwork. Solid as gravity. Until you realize, even the earth itself may heave and lay the mighty mountain low. She was the boat who carried you here. The owl who warded off colds. The lioness who protected you from childhood taunts. The oak who framed the mirror you glanced at, moving from childhood to adolescence. She held fragrant bouquets when the world was brown, all hacked with winter. Now time, oh time creeps close to her, stalks her while she sleeps. You refuse to acknowledge her slowing step while the tide of love pours from her eyes. The slowed step Is her clock winding down. And the love? Your inheritance. Richard Family Remembrance by Jackie Our mom moved through life with innocence and grace. Despite a difficult childhood she managed to have a positive outlook that many lose as they get older. She lost her mother at the age of two and spent her years from age 4 to 18 being raised in an orphanage run by French nuns on Madeira Island. She spoke Portuguese and French. Her knickname was American because she had born in the U.S. She developed a great faith with a special devotion to the Blessed Mother, many times saying that the blessed mother was her mother. This faith helped her get through difficult times in her life. Our mom was the original fashionista Wearing fancy hats,very high heels and beautiful clothes-- that was her thing when she was young. She was very thoughtful always remembering everyone's birthday, anniversary and all the other occasions. She taught us compassion empathy , strength and above all kindness. . Our mom was also very vain. She always would be asking for her lipstick and she was not honest about her age until she was 90 years old and decided it was ok for people to know her true age and smiled as they said they didn't believe it. Often saying she had no wrinkles . She had certain likes and dislikes. She would let us know if something was not right by a shrug of the shoulder, a flip of a hand or the look. When we accused her of being fussy she would say that she was just &quote;particular&quote;. She was also very direct in letting you know her opinions-- not always an easy experience. . Our door was always open to our friends and she welcomed everyone to stay for dinner. She taught us the importance of friendship and keeping in touch with friends. Her laugh was infectious and she found humor in many things. She loved us and my dad. When he would walk in the room her face would light up and she would say that after 62 years of marriage. she would do it all again with the same one. . Our family can never say goodbye in a short way. It lasts longer with many kisses and I love you 's . Our mom would always have the last word by saying I love you more. But Mama we all love you more.