Saturday, September 16, 2017
For anyone today, or in the future, who might inquire or take an interest in the life of Alice Marie Devers Balint, it would be a privilege to share my experience of her.
I was one of her nieces. She was Aunt Alre to me. My mother sung her praises and taught me to love her well, even before I grew to know her. Though she was unable to have children of her own it was clear to my mother, and later to me, that she took a selfless interest and sincere joy in the blessings of her sisters' children. I was the third of her five nieces and one nephew. She never smothered me. Rather, she was tender, as one would be with a fawn. Approachable, waiting, always there with a gentle but inviting, extended arm. Consequently, no time was ever enough with Aunt Alre -- especially for the niece who always had to travel to see her. She was thoughtful and generous when remembering a birthday or special occasion -- often with delightfully sophisticated but still age-appropriate gifts that seemed only she could find and knew you would love. I still treasure them.
Aunt Alre was a role model for me in numerous ways. Notably, she was Aunt Alre "the eldest," Aunt Alre a mother's reliable right arm; Aunt Alre the accomplished professional, Aunt Alre, a cosmopolitan woman, germinated from humble and resilient roots.
Everyone could see that she was a beauty. Elegance, yes. Style yes. A lady, yes. She also had a refined, modest dignity -- perhaps taught, but most definitely chosen. And while she would eagerly credit her mother and father for planting the twig properly, she found her own trajectory in life. She was both intelligent and cognitively sharp as a tack. Well-educated. Well-cultivated. No fool. She formed her own opinions, but equally demonstrated an astute sense of time and place.
Complementing her obvious gifts, I believe she was inwardly sensitive. She deeply felt, survived, and grew from life's disappointments, pain, tests and trials. And she eagerly awaited the return of the robins to her window in springtime. A good Catholic, she actively participated in charitable outreach of the Church and community. But perhaps more important, I can tell you that she very personally gave of herself. She was present to the sad and discouraged, the lonely, the lost one, the seemingly hopeless, the wounded one. She was a trusted confidante to family and friend. In my experience, she never probed or intruded. She allowed you to draw near and gently offered an astute observation or opinion if you asked for it. I can tell you she was one of the best "active-listeners" I have ever met. She remembered her deceased family well, tending the memories and graves of our reposed loved ones for decades. As for her living family -- we all knew she was devoted. She got a chance to practice patience and forgiveness too.
Alice Marie took considerable joy entertaining family and friends -- she had a flair for it. She made my mother and others beam with pride. She inspired me. Excursions, dining out, family get-togethers -- and especially our years of long-distance phone calls -- hold treasured memories for me.
Unintentionally, she showed the next generation a bit broader view of the horizon. And, we all knew she was supportive, hopeful, and wished the best for us as we ventured out on our own trajectories.
Dearest Aunt Alre ... you loved, encouraged, comforted, and supported us all. I love you deeply and eternally Aunt Alre. You, and the memory of you are alive both with me and through me -- always. Rest now, with our omniscient loving God and our Lady of Grace.
-- Susan
