Submitted by: Dan Rich

Irene Balint

Oct. 5, 1911 - May 26, 2005

South Bend Tribune 5/29/2005

Irene Balint, 93, of Berkley Circle, Mishawaka, passed away at 5:25 p.m. Thursday, May 26, in Regency Place, South Bend. Irene was born on Oct. 5, 1911, in South Bend, to Joseph and Vera (Hoffer) Hancz. She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Joseph, John and Alex Hancz; three sisters, Theresa Meszaros, Helen Robinson and Peggy Ringler; and by a son, Richard Balint Sr.

On May 21, 1932, in South Bend, as the former Irene Hancz, she married Michael Balint, who preceded her in death on June 28, 1972. Surviving Irene are a daughter, Marcia (Jerry) Kizer of Mishawaka; a son, Jack (Mary) Balint of Mishawaka; nine grandchildren, Rick, Mike (Maria), Stephen, John (Jennifer), Tim (Angela), Tom (Lisa) and Edward (Sandy) Balint, and Keith and Kevin Kizer; 11 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; a daughter in law, Anne Balint of South Bend; and two brothers, Pete Hancz of New Carlisle and Eugene Hancz of South Bend.

Irene was a member of St. Bavo Catholic Church. She enjoyed playing Euchre, golfing and going bowling. What she really loved to do was to go fishing. Irene enjoyed life and the love of her family and friends. She was a special person who could always make you smile.

Family and friends may visit from 2 to 6 p.m. on Monday, May 30, where a Rosary will be recited at 5:45 p.m. in Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th Street, Mishawaka. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 31, in St. Bavo Catholic Church, with Rev. Barry England officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger. The family would like to give a heart-felt Thank You to the staff at Regency Place, especially Chris, Debbie and Jennifer. Contributions may be made in memory of Irene to the ALS Association (Lou Gerhig), 27001 Agoura Road, Suite 150, Calabasas Hills, CA 91301-5104; or to Hospice of St. Joseph County, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637.