Janis Marie Balabon

Janis Marie Balabon, 85, a resident of Cape Coral, FL since 1985, formerly of Waterloo, Iowa, passed away peacefully, on Sunday, January 22, 2023 in Cape Coral and is now at home with God. She was born May 9, 1937 in Clarion, IA to Felix and Beatrise Mathias.

Janis was of the Lutheran faith. She was born in Iowa and spent her vibrant young adult life there. She married the love of her life, Dan, in 1958 and they had two sons, Keith and Sam. Her sons were her pride and joy. She loved to tell stories of her pony when she was a little girl in Iowa and how much she loved art, photography and cooking.  She earned an Applied Art degree from Hawkeye Institute and taught Life Drawing at the Institute. She studied with several major portrait artists and developed her own detailed technique. She was a gifted oil portrait artist and spent her life painting magnificent world renowned portraits, some of which are displayed at the Vatican in Rome. Her art has received several awards and recognitions over the years, has created memories to last lifetimes for her clients and family, has been recognized around the world, and leaves you in complete awe. Her legacy will always live on through her paintings. Janis was the most loving, beautiful, kind, tender hearted and caring woman you will ever meet. Her calming and uplifting presence always brought anyone around her joy. Her smile radiated any room. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She enjoyed nature, gardening, a good glass of wine, taking lots of photos, being on the water and spending time with those she loved, especially by her husband’s side. She will truly be missed.

48 hours after Janis passed, her beloved husband of 64 years, Dan joined her in heaven on Tuesday, January 24, 2023. They are now rejoined, holding hands and drinking a glass of wine together again.

She is survived by her two loving children, Keith Balabon of Dallas, TX, and Sam Balabon of Austin, TX; brother, Frank Mathias of Knoxville, IA; three grandchildren, Fara Cummings, David Balabon, and Evan Balabon; as well as three great grandchildren, PJ Cummings, Jr., Finley Cummings, and Levi Cummings.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Details to be announced via www.MullinsMemorial.com

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.