Andrea Dianne Balassi

Andrea passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on September 7th, 2023 at the age of 55, after a courageous 4-year battle with pancreatic neuroendocrine cancer.

Andrea was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and aunt who is survived by her husband Dan; sons Vincent (Minja), Dominic (Hannah), Garrett, and Luke; granddaughter Lana; grandson Luka; parents Stephen and Susan Clark; sisters Julie Clark and Lauren (Steve) Howard; and brother Jay Clark; in-laws Bob (Kathleen) Balassi, Mike (Christina) Balassi, Gerry Balassi and many nieces and nephews.

Andrea was born March 4th, 1968 to Susan and Stephen Clark in her hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. She attended Kenwood Elementary school and graduated with honors from North Harrison High School, participating in Marching Band, Jazz Band, Bible Bowl and Indiana Girls State. She attended the University of Louisville, earning a B.S. in Accounting. In April of 1991, Andrea met the love of her life and best friend, Dan Balassi. It was love at first sight. They were married on December 21st, 1991 and moved to St. Louis, Missouri, where they would settle down and raise their family. Raising a house full of boys is no small task, to which Andrea lovingly dedicated herself.

Andrea went back to school, graduating in 2011 with a B.S. in Nursing from the Goldfarb School of Nursing’s accelerated 1-year program, while at the same time, managing the household.  She found a noble purpose in her nursing career. She loved nursing, helping people, supporting them through illness and suffering, and serving in this capacity. Her nursing career was one of her most cherished accomplishments and she would light up with love and pride when she talked about it.

Andrea had a number of hobbies and interests that she loved. Whether it was photography, digital media design, researching family history, playing instruments like the flute or the piano, or enjoying a good book, she committed herself fully to what she loved to do. She had a passion for sewing, cross stitching, and quilting. She would make quilts for friends and family, and had a special mission for making and donating quilts to people who were sick or had loved ones that recently passed.

Andrea fought her battle with cancer with amazing courage and determination, maintaining a positive outlook throughout and never giving up.

Andrea had a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. She was baptized at a young age at the Greenville Christian Church in Greenville Indiana. She would continue this relationship throughout her life. Prior to her passing she confirmed her faith in Jesus with a baptism in the presence of God and her family.  Andrea is at peace now, reveling in the Love and Glory of God.  She will be missed by many. Her life, her legacy, her spirit, and her accomplishments will be celebrated. She will live on in our hearts forever.

Flowers may be sent to arrive Friday, September 22nd to Southgate Church at 9820 East Watson Rd, Sappington MO 63126. (314)842-8679  [email protected]  .

As in Andrea’s case and many others, the symptoms of this cancer are often mis-diagnosed, delaying potentially life saving treatment.  Andrea was a strong advocate for more awareness and understanding of this disease. The family asks that you consider a donation in memory of Andrea to one of these two charities:

The Neuroendocrine Cancer Awareness Network (NCAN), which is dedicated to raising awareness of Neuroendocrine Cancer, providing support for caregivers and people with NETs, and funding for NET cancer research. The Neuroendocrine Cancer Awareness Network (NCAN) (net cancer awareness.org)

The Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation (NETRF), whose mission is to fund research to discover cures and more effective treatments for neuroendocrine cancers.  Better Treatments For Neuroendocrine Tumors NETRF