Mary Ellyn Balestrieri

Mary Ellyn Balestrieri age 93 of Elkhorn, WI died peacefully on Sunday December 7, 2025, at Lakeland Health Care Center of Elkhorn, WI. Born on January 10, 1932, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Milwaukee, WI, Mary was the daughter of the late Archibald and Eleanor (Cudahy) O’Connor of Wauwatosa, WI. Mary was a 1953 graduate of Marquette University, proudly obtaining her degree in Speech Pathology. It was during her time at Marquette that she first met Tony, crossing paths at various social functions, an early spark that would later grow into a lifelong love. After graduation, Mary began her teaching career in Glen Ellyn, IL where she taught grade school until 1956.

On November 24, 1956, Mary was united in marriage to Anthony “Tony” F. Balestrieri at St. Sebastian Parish in Milwaukee, WI. Together Mary and Tony just celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary! They began their married life in Delavan, WI where she taught at St. Andrew’s Grade School for one year before settling in Elkhorn in 1959, the community they have proudly called home ever since. Mary continued her passion for education as a Speech Instructor at Lakeland School in Elkhorn, WI serving from 1967 until her retirement in 1987.

Along with her passion for educating children, Mary found joy in leisure activities including bowling, golf leagues, playing piano, and spending time on the lake. Mary held a special place in her heart for both dogs and horses, whose companionship brought her great comfort throughout her life. Above all else, Mary cherished the moments she shared with her family.

Mary is survived by her husband of 69 years; Anthony; children; C. Gregory (Jacqueline) Balestrieri of Byron, IL, Christine (Jeffrey) Ganhs of Lancaster, KY, Michael (Linda Tonge) Balestrieri of Williams Bay, WI, and Kenneth (Cynthia) Balestrieri of Elkhorn, WI; grandchildren; Anthony (Meredith) Balestrieri, Nicholas (Kassie) Balestrieri, Christopher Balestrieri, Stacey Ganhs, Alyssa (Kody) Boyd, and Jessica Balestrieri; great grandchild; Sawyer Boyd; and cousin; Susanne (Maxwell) Barnes. Mary is preceded in death by her parents; siblings; Archibald (Betty) O’Connor, Richard O’Connor, and Warren (Mary) O’Connor; grandson; Alex Balestrieri; and cousin; Marry Ellen Kadleck.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Patrick’s Catholic Parish 107 W. Walworth Street Elkhorn, WI at 3:00pm on Friday December 19, 2025. Visitation will take place before mass beginning at 2:00pm. A reception will take place after Mass in St. Anthony Hall on the churches lower level. Mary will be laid to rest in Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery following a private committal service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Mary’s name to Lakeland School W3905 County Road NN Elkhorn, WI 53121. An online guestbook for Mary can be found at www.haaselockwoodfhs.com. Mary’s arrangements are under the direction of Haase-Lockwood & Associates Funeral Home and Crematory of Elkhorn, WI.