Sue Balistreri

Sue Balistreri, age 84, of Waunakee/De Forest, passed away in her home surrounded by loved ones on December 11, 2023.  For the past year, Sue worked hard to fight her cancer diagnosis and live each day with hope and love. Sue was born on March 19, 1939, in Cazenovia, WI, the daughter of Leonard and Kitty Jax (Ferguson). 

Sue is survived by her lifelong friend, Jack Davidson; her son Tony Balistreri (Amanda); her daughters Lori Dailey (Wayne) and Tracy Ellingson (Joe); her grandchildren: Brad, Derek, Jennifer, Taylor, Nicole, Morgan, Sean, Abby, Brooke; her great-grandchildren: Blakely, Torunn, Ruby, Kayson, and Ryker; her sister Dawn Belleau; her sister-in-law Norita Dittberner-Jax and many nieces and nephews.

Sue is preceded in death by her parents, brothers Lenny and Gene Jax, and her former husband Frank Balistreri.

Sue grew up in the beautiful hills of Richland Center, WI, and graduated from Richland Center High School in 1957.  After graduation, Sue spent time in La Crosse and Madison before establishing a family in Middleton.  In 1972, the family moved to Waunakee, and this was their home for many years.  Sue worked for the Waunakee Veterinary Service for 32 years. Sue loved her farmers, and they loved her.  She enjoyed talking with all the clients and loved all the animals.  Sue had many great friends with whom she loved spending time with.  They enjoyed bowling, golfing, playing cards, traveling, and going to craft fairs. 

After retirement, Sue and Jack went on various trips across the United States, making happy memories together.  They played at many golf courses and visited many casinos.  They also enjoyed going to plays and musicals.  Sue was an avid Packer and Badger fan and loved watching them on TV.   

Sue’s greatest joy in life was her family whom she loved fiercely.  Her favorite titles were Mom and Grandma.  Sue always put everyone else’s needs before her own, and her children and grandchildren were the biggest recipients of her love and generosity.  She could make you feel better just by hearing her voice.  She always had words of wisdom and believed in her family.   Sue gave her love freely and unconditionally. All she wanted was for her family to be happy, to be healthy, and to know that she was always there for them.  Sue loved to be with her family; it is when her smile was the biggest and her heart was fullest. Having her family all in one place brought her great joy. Sue never missed a sporting event, birthday, activity, or special gatherings with family.  She was an amazing cook and loved cooking for her family.   

If you knew Sue, you were lucky.  She was one in a million.  Everyone should strive to be like her.  She was kind and compassionate to all.  She cared deeply about her friends and family and was always there for them.  She loved her family so much, enough to fill up many lifetimes.  She made people better by the examples she set through her love and compassion.  Our hearts are broken, but her love and the amazing memories we have made will help to heal them.

Visitation will be Sunday, December 17, from 2-4 at Winn- Cress Funeral Home and Monday, December 18, from 9:30 until time of service at 11:00 at St. John’s Catholic Church 209 South St. in Waunakee .Burial will take place in the church cemetery.

The family would like to thank the staff at Agrace Hospice with special gratitude toward her nurse Lisa. They would also like to thank her friend Joan for her Wednesday lunches and movies. The family will decide on a memorial in Sue’s name in the future.

                                Winn-Cress Funeral Home 5785 Hwy Q Waunakee