Janice Marie Balog

Janice Marie Balog, born March 17, 1937, in Springbrook, Iowa, joined her family in heaven on April 1, 2025. The cherished daughter of Edna Gonner and Alvin Laffey, Jan was also a beloved sister to Duane, Donna, and Kay.

Jan was raised in Runnells, Iowa, where she served as Vice President of her high school class and proudly supported the local team as a cheerleader. She graduated in 1956 and attended the University of Iowa before continuing her studies and launching her career at Continental Illinois Bank in Chicago.

Jan later built a loving home in Ankeny, Iowa, for her three daughters-Sandra, Kerri, and Nicole-who remained the center of her world throughout her life. A dedicated and selfless mother, she pursued her passion for design while raising her daughters and working full-time, eventually earning a degree in interior design. Jan's natural talent and keen eye for beauty led to a successful design career, where she brought warmth and elegance to homes and businesses alike. Many of her clients became dear friends.

In 1985, following Nicole's high school graduation, Jan relocated to Carlsbad, California, where she would spend the remainder of her life. Jan missed her daughters deeply and made it her mission to reunite the family in Southern California-often sending plane tickets during cold Iowa winters to encourage the move. Her determination prevailed, and together they built a close-knit, loving family in Carlsbad.

One of Jan's greatest joys was being "Nana" to her grandchildren. She poured the same love, creativity, and dedication into her role as a grandmother, forging deep, personal connections with each grandchild.

Jan will be remembered for her generous heart, graceful spirit, and enduring sense of beauty. A woman of faith, she dedicated herself to Catholic charities and volunteered at Brother Benno's for over 15 years. She had a deep love for nature and could often be found collecting flowers on walks with her beloved dog, Bailey-arranging them into beautiful displays to share with friends and neighbors.

Her zest for life was evident in everything she did. Jan loved to travel, walk along the beach, savor her coffee and sweet treats, and engage with music, literature, and the arts. Her radiant spirit touched everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Jan is survived by her three daughters, as well as her six grandchildren: Madison, Scott, and Emma Souter; Lucas and Jacob Coleman; and Katie Nicholi. Her legacy of love, grace, and generosity lives on through them.

A funeral mass will be held at Saint Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church in Carlsbad, CA, on May 2, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. A celebration of life will follow. For additional information, please contact Sandra at sandrasouter@msn.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to https://hospiceofthenorthcoast-bloom.kindful.com/.