Virginia (Crocker) Balzaretti, 72

Virginia (Crocker) Balzaretti died peacefully on June 23, 2010, in Coeur d’Alene, after a short but intensive battle with cancer. Virginia was born in Spokane on Aug. 11, 1937, to Ray and Jeannette Crocker, and was one of six children.

She grew up in Spokane and attended Marycliff High School. On July 2, 1955, she married Richard Balzaretti. They later moved to Richland, Wash., and raised their six children.

She was a master at organizing and directing all the family activities, which included camping, youth activities and large extended family gatherings. Virginia was a member of Christ the King Catholic parish and the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority in Richland. She was extraordinarily gifted with her hands, which was shown through her talents with cake decorating, piano, sewing and needle work. She was an accomplished home maker and bookkeeper.

After Richard’s retirement, they moved to Coeur d’Alene, where they spent their summers with family. Every fall she and Richard would travel to their home in Yuma, Ariz., to be with friends old and new. Virginia’s passions were spending time with her large family, traveling with Richard, cooking, reading and sewing. She and Richard also enjoyed singing in their church choir, both in Yuma and in Coeur d’Alene. She was the consummate grandmother, always remembering important dates involving her family, active with her grandchildren and making sure her home was a fun place to visit.

Virginia is survived by her husband of 55 years, Richard Balzaretti, and children Sharon Treasure, David, Joan Moore, Richard, Mary Galloway; 12 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Janet Riedl and her brother, Thomas Crocker.

She was preceded in death by her oldest son, Robert.

Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m. with viewing at 9 a.m. Friday, July 2, 2010, at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Coeur d’Alene, followed by interment at the Holy Cross cemetery in Spokane.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the St. Pius X Catholic Church, 625 Haycraft Ave., Coeur d’Alene, and the American Cancer Society.

Please visit Virginia’s memorial and sign her online guest registry at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.