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Sophia Elizabeth Balla
Born: 6/24/1963
Died: 7/20/2026
Age: 63
Community: Anchorage, Alaska, native of Michigan,
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Sophia Elizabeth Balla, of Anchorage Alaska, native of Michigan, age 63, died of cancer on July 20th, 2026. A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated on Wednesday August 5, 2026 at 1:00 pm at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church 6340 Roberta St. Burton, MI 48509 Fr. Carl Simon Celebrant, with burial to follow at Flint Memorial Cemetery. Family will receive visitors from 3:00-7:00pm Tuesday August 4, 2026 at Hansen Funeral Home. A Parish Rosary will be prayed Tuesday at 6:30 pm at the funeral home. Sophia will lie in state at the church on Wednesday from 12:00 noon until time of services. Those desiring to make contributions in Sophia's memory may make them to the funeral home.
Sophia was born in Flint, Michigan on June 24, 1963 the daughter of the late Ernest and Lucy (Candelaria) Balla, who raised her to do whatever she dreamed she could do. Sophia loved working on projects with her dad and was especially proud of the work they did on the house on Atherton Road. From a young age, Sophia’s faith was important to her. She shares many fond memories with her childhood friend Allean James, jumping the fence behind their house to go to mass at Blessed Sacrament Church. Allean was her faithful friend of 54 years. Sophia attended Bentley and Lakeville High Schools before earning her license in cosmetology and starting her business, “Stylin’” in Columbiaville, Michigan. While raising her first son Jake, she took part in the program “Welfare to Work” to learn HVAC skills. Later, she attended Mott Community College where she earned a degree in pipe fitting and became a licensed plumber in the state of Michigan. She worked for about 10 years as a journeyman pipe fitter at General Motors before making the decision to move to Tennessee with family. After some time in Tennessee, she started another business as a Master plumber, “Ms. Maintenance Plumbing and Repair”. Sophia used her skills and talents to help everyone and anyone that she could, including volunteering to work jobs for Habitat for Humanity. Her life’s compass always pointed toward her children. She cherished each of them beyond measure and found her greatest happiness in being together as a family. Whether it meant crossing town or crossing state lines, she never hesitated to travel wherever they were. Time spent with her children was never an obligation - it was where she most wanted to be, and where her heart felt most at home. Her greatest legacy is the love she gave so freely to her children. Though she loved her children, being “Grammy” and “Nonna” to her grandbabies was her favorite role. She treasured her time with them and never failed to give hugs, kisses, and snuggles. She had no shortage of friends and family who loved her dearly. Sophia was also a proud member of Blessed Sacrament Hungarian Club and loved making sausage with them. She was sincerely a Jane of all trades. She was able to add her delicate creative touch to anything that she did, whether it was a bathroom renovation or a matching dress for her granddaughter and her Barbie dolls. Sophia will always be remembered for her spunky personality that was impossible to miss. We’ll always imagine hearing her vibrant and joyous cackle. We couldn’t have asked for a better mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend and we will miss her every day. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all of those who loved her and whom she loved.
She is survived by her sons: Jacob (Angela) and Giovanni (Leah), grandchildren Roland, Robin, Lucia, and Olivia, brother: Manuel Balla, sisters: Tina Balla and Rosanne (David Jew) Balla, and nieces Sheri Balla, Cindi Balla, Tami (Frank) Dorn, Saranda Cyman, Rebecca (Josh) Tipton, Ruby Juballa, nephews Marshall Balla and Raymond Juballa. Sophia was preceded in death by her son Samson Baumgartner-Balla and her parents. Please share your condolences at www.hansenfuneralhome.net. |
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| Visitation |
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8/4/2026 |
| Time: |
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3:00 PM |
| Family will receive visitors from 3:00-7:00pm Tuesday August 4, 2026 at Hansen Funeral Home. A Parish Rosary will be prayed Tuesday at 6:30 pm at the funeral home. Sophia will lie in state at the church on Wednesday from 12:00 noon until time of services. |
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| Funeral Service |
| Date: |
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8/5/2026 |
| Time: |
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1:00 PM |
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| Location: |
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Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
6340 Roberta St.
Burton, MI 48509Get a Map to this location...
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