Klementine Lina Balodis

BALODIS, Klementine Lina Klementine Lina Balodis died peacefully surrounded by her family in her home on Sunday (November 9, 2008). Klementine was born in Riga, Latvia on May 10, 1910. She was the daughter of Anna Strazds Glemitis and Janis Strazds, and the sister of Sasha Strazds who vanished like many others during the first World War. She married Captain Alberts Balodis (Latvian Army) in 1933 and in 1937 received her Masters degree in philosophy, and joined the sorority "Dzintra." She went on to teach philosophy until the onset of World War II and the communist invasion of Latvia. After her husband, among thousands of others, was deported by the soviets to Siberia, Klementine and her three children, Zigurds Juris, Astrida Daina, and Lolita Baiba began their long journey to escape the occupation. War years were spent in Germany and in various displaced person camps. After the liberation of Germany by the Americans, Klementine with her children were able to receive sponsorship from their relatives the Vuskalns family to come live in the United States of America where they have lived since 1950. Klementine retired from First National City Bank of New York in 1971 and has lived in Manchester until her passing. Klementine was a selfless, giving, and strong person with solid ethics. She inspired her three children to achieve their goals through higher education, always in support of their aspirations. And in turn, her children have passed on her ideals to her six grandchildren: Juris Ulmanis, Margita Ulmanis Meyers, Mara Balodis Householder, Ivars Balodis, Egils Ramans, and Rauls Ramans and eight great-grandchildren: Christopher and Alexandra Meyers, Maria Ulmanis, Evangeline and Ivars Ramans, and Gabriel, Luke and Livia Ramans. Klementine loved her family, God, and country. Rest in peace Amamina. Calling hours will be Friday November 14, from 4-6 p.m. at Holmes Funeral Home, 400 Main St., Manchester. The funeral service will be Saturday, Nov. 15, at 3 p.m. at the Latvian Lutheran Church, 21 Garden St., in Manchester. Burial will be at the convenience of the family in Latvia. Memorial contributions in her memory may be made to the Latvian Lutheran Church of Manchester, 21 Garden St., Manchester, CT 06040.