Greenfield- Eleni Balis, 87, wife, mother, grandmother and sister, lost her battle to pancreatic cancer on Saturday January 13, 2018, peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family.  She was born in Nestani, Greece on January 10, 1931, the daughter of Tim and Rebecca (Garevaltis) Balis. 

She married George Balis on September 21, 1961 and they spent fifty six happy years together.

Together, Eleni and George owned and operated Village Pizza in Greenfield for twenty five years before her retirement.  Eleni loved Greenfield and especially appreciated the incredible support of the community and customers, who became friends. 

Eleni was a consummate mother and nurturer. She maintained a sweet demeanor that immediately won over anyone in her presence.  She enjoyed the simple pleasures of life including cooking, gardening and traveling back to her homeland.  Above all, Eleni possessed a true servant’s heart and devoted her life to her family, her greatest accomplishment.  She had an unwavering faith in God and was an active member of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Holyoke.  Her joy of life, constant smiles, laughter and jokes will never be forgotten.

Besides her beloved husband of fifty six years, George, Eleni leaves her daughter, Betty Gioules and her husband Jim of Greenfield and their three children, Costas and his fiancé Nicole, George and his wife Britney and their two children Penelope and Dimitri, and Maria; her son, Chris Balis and his wife Petroula of Greenfield and their three children, Elani, Vicki and George; as well as her youngest son John Balis and his wife Demetria of Greenfield and their two children Eleni and George.   Eleni also leaves her brother, Peter Balis and his family of Chicago, IL; two sisters, Georgia Papadimitriou and Evagelia Michaliopoulos, both of Athens, Greece; as well as many more family and friends in Greece and America.

The Balis family would like to express their appreciation to all the incredible healthcare professionals who showed care and compassion to Eleni during her difficult battle. 

Funeral services will be held Wednesday 1/17 at 10am at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 410 Main Street, Holyoke, Ma.  Burial will follow at Green River Cemetery in Greenfield. 

Calling hours will be held Tuesday evening from 5-7pm at the Kostanski Funeral Home, 220 Federal Street, Greenfield. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 410 Main Street, Holyoke, MA 01040. 

Sympathy message available at www.kostanskifuneralhome.com.

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