Faye M. Balbinot

On Monday, January 16, 2023, Faye M. Balbinot, loving mother of eleven children and friend to
many, passed away of natural causes at the age of 95. Faye was tenderly surrounded by her
family in her passing at her home in Tinley Park, Illinois.
Faye was born on June 13, 1927, in Des Moines, Iowa to Nelz and Bessie Christensen, and
siblings Stella and Maynard. In 1942, she married Lloyd Strait. They raised 7 children. She
survived sons Dale, Steven, and daughters Judy, Barbara, and left behind son Randy, and
daughters Leona, Donna. In 1964, she married Al Ursich. Together they raised 4 more children:
sons Albert, Eddie, Joseph, and daughter Faye. Faye’s final love found happiness when she
married Joseph Balbinot in 1977 until his death in 2000. She leaves behind 19 grandchildren and
12 great-grandchildren.
Faye’s life was captured as fearless and boldly full of grace. During the great depression she was
sent off into an orphanage where she learned to play the piano. She blossomed into a natural
beauty and entered into Miss Colorado pageant. Faye also held a passion for raising her family.
They meant the world to her, and she combined her family with her entrepreneurial spirit to build
a thriving sewing business, Drapery Designs, where everyone worked together. She radiated a
driving spirit that encouraged family to also think big and seek out their own dreams. She was
recognized as an incredible matriarch who provided unconditional support, generosity,
selflessness, and unwavering kindness. She had a sense of humor that touched all. Faye was also
best known as a phenomenal cook in the kitchen. She would shine cooking up mouthwatering
dishes like goulash, fried chicken, pecan rolls, or fresh baked bread. Her beautiful essence added
savory to the home and lasting sweet memories. Faye will always be remembered for her smile,
her enormous bright spirit, but most of all her family will always remember the feeling of her
big, eternal heart.
Visitation, Monday, January 23, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. until time of Funeral Service at 12:00 p.m., noon. at Vandenberg Funeral Home, 17248 S. Harlem Ave Tinley Park, IL 60477. Burial will follow at Maplewood Cemetery in New Lenox, IL. For more information 708-532-1635 or www.vandenbergfuneralhome.com