Valentina Barcena Balanza

Valentina Barcena Balanza, 77, Green Bay, died peacefully at her residence on January 20, 2017, with family by her side. Born on February 14, 1939, in Buguey Cagayan, Philippines, she is the daughter of the late Candido and Cristina (Baclig) Barcena. On January 16, 1960, she married Felix Balanza in the Philippines. She cherished time gardening, singing, and sewing. Back in the Philippines Valentina enjoyed selling farm goods, and was the president of the women’s club organization, where she enjoyed teaching dance. She was deeply involved with her church, and began each day with a prayer and time with her Bible. Valentina’s family was her passion - namely her husband, children, grandchildren, and extended friends and family. She was like a mother to her daughter’s friends. Valentina was especially proud to become a citizen of the United States in 2016.

Valentina is survived by her loving husband of over 50 years, Felix Balanza, Green Bay; eight children, Almirante (Ellen) Balanza, Elvie (Arnel) Tactac, Jaradine Balanza (companion, Leo), all of the Philippines, Carol (Dennis) Nuetzel, Green Bay, Vilma Agliam, Philippines, Floydirante Balanza (companion, Shirley), Dubai, UAE, Juniebelle (Eamonn) Staunton, London, England, and Katherine Balanza, Hong Kong, China; 15 grandchildren; many great grandchildren; two sisters, Suzima (Felix) Carillo, and Paulina Ibus; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her siblings and a brother-in-law.

Visitation at Malcore (East) Funeral Home, 701 N. Baird St., Friday from 3:00 p.m. until the time of the funeral. Funeral service 7:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Burial at Sanctuary of Peace Memorial Park, Philippines.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Michael Volk and the staff at Unity Hospice. They would also like to thank her son-in-law, Dennis, and numerous friends that came to visit and pray for her in her last days.