Marie A. "Momma Marie" Balshor

1928 - 2025

Marie A. "Momma Marie" Balshor

March 26, 1928 - October 14, 2025

Sacramento, California - Marie passed away peacefully at home after a brief illness surrounded by her loving family and care staff. Maria de Ascencao Ana Sequeira Balshor was born to Maria Jose' Grelo Sequeira and Salvadore Sequeira, March 26,1928. She and her brother Leonard were raised in Dixon, CA by her Mother Maria, Uncles Leonard, Johnny and Jose' after their father Salvadore died when she was 5. She graduated from Dixon High School and worked on the family dairy farm and the Orange Freeze. Marie was very proud of her Portuguese Heritage and served as Queen at the Holy Ghost Festa in Dixon during her teens.

After graduating from Dixon High School Marie chose to attend Secretarial School in Sacramento. While in town Marie and her mother Maria stopped to see an old friend Graca Balshor. When Graca asked why they were in town Maria responded they were looking for a place for Marie to stay while she attended secretarial school. Upon hearing this Graca said look no further she can stay here with me, with the caveat being she had to sleep with Graca because there were no other beds open in the house. Marie had met Graca's youngest son Albert earlier when she was 6 and he was 9 at the Dixon dairy farm. During that visit the 2 had a big water fight after Al teased Marie about having had to clean the manure in the milk house, The Fight lasted 81 Years! They didn't speak for years until she came to Sacramento for secretarial school. While on a night out with Lucille Dragas (Al's sister) they happen to run into Al at the Pelican Club. Al asked her to dance a slow song and the rest was history. They were married on January 1, 1948. Daughter Judie arrived later in 1948 with Al Jr and Jerry following over the next 7 years while they lived with Graca Balshor in Southside Park until 1955, when they moved their family to the current home on Theo way.

On November 4, 1950, Al & Marie opened Balshor Florist at 730 O St in Sacramento. It was Al's dream to open a flower shop and Marie being his beloved partner supported him to the end of the world. Together they grew the Balshor Florist brand to become one of the more successful florists in Sacramento area. In 1972 they moved to the current location at 2661 Riverside Blvd in the Land Park area. Balshor Florist recently closed their doors after being in business for over 74 years. What a Great Run it was!

During those 74 years of being in business Marie was also a full-time mom, raising Judie, Al Jr & Jerry, while Al was perfecting his creative talents at the shop. Marie was a hands-on participant in all the activities the kids were involved in like 4H -teaching cooking, volleyball & baseball team mother, and other family adventures.

Those family adventures included yearly trips to Santa Cruz with the Valine Family in early August. Lorraine Valine and Marie became fast friends like sisters and her husband Joe was like a second father to the Balshor kids. Many a good time was had with the Valines, especially at their 4th of July party.

Marie's two greatest influencers were her mother Maria and her mother-in-law Graca. Both coming from the Continent in Portugal and of simple means, the philosophies and wisdoms these marvelous women blessed Marie with would set a tone of positive affirmations, an attitude of gratitude and forgiveness, and an undeniable belief in God. Her Mother Maria would often say "How can I speak ill of anyone when everyone is so kind to me, while Graca favorite saying was "and I still be here to take whatever He has to offer!" Marie often said Love your enemies it'll drive them crazy. Over the years Marie developed her own style of communication to bring these positive virtues to many a soul while sitting in the "Listening Chair" at the shop. Being able to recognize a troubled soul and convey the wisdom she learned from others to help that person, whether it be a flower, a Hug or just an listening ear earned her the Moniker "MOMMA MARIE". A title she cherished 'til her dying day ....

Marie's faith in God led her to St Elizabeth's Catholic Portuguese Church, where she excelled in the choir. She loved to sing and at the same time praise God and Jesus Christ. She prayed the Rosary daily and often watched Mass on TV when she couldn't make it to Church. Birthdays also let her employ her alter personality via song through The Bluebird of Happiness.

Marie lived a full life spanning over 97 ½ years. She loved to travel, Proud of her Portuguese Heritage, her relationship with God and Her unconditional Love of Her Family. She Loved the SF 49ers. Marie was a long-time member of the American Portuguese Club, The Portuguese Historical Society, St Elizabeth's and St Joseph's Choirs. With the title "Momma Marie" she leaves behind many adopted sons and daughters.

She is preceded in death by her Beloved Husband Albert (Papa Al) Daughter Judie Plummer (Bob). She is survived by Sons Albert Jr., Jerry (Sondra) and many nieces, nephews and cousins .... Her Legacy as a Sacramento Icon will Live on Forever!

The family would like to Thank A Very Special Dr, David Lehman for over 40 years of care and a favorite of the Blue Bird of Happiness, Dr Scott Stringer and staff at ACC, her care staff: Sondra Holland, Christine Deus, Dani Bole, Maria Zavala, R. C. Hospice Care. Special friends Al & Sue Barnard, Sally Sylvia, Sandy Patterson, Rob Silveria, Dan and Donis, Angelica and Alexis Whaley and Maria Oropeza Duarte, Father Dan Madigan and Father Eduino Silveria, Rosemary Wood and many others to mention ...

Viewing 11/21/25 10am - 4pm W. F. GORMLEY & SONS 2015 Capitol Ave, Sacramento, CA. Funeral Mass 11/22/25 12 noon St Elizabeth's Church 12th & S St Sacramento, CA. Private family burial. FLOWERS ARE MUCH WELCOMED!!!!!!