Rebecca Balabanis

Rebecca Balabanis, 88, of Spartanburg, SC, fell asleep in the Lord, Thursday, March 4, 2021. Born August 27, 1932 in South Milwaukee, WI, she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Helen Balabanis. Rebecca taught first grade in the inner city schools of Chicago most of her life. She excelled in teaching all her first graders how to read, and her greatest joy was seeing the amazement of each child as they read for the first time. She was devoted to her church with a strong faith and love for all. Liturgical music was an integral part of her life as she sang and served in church choirs starting as a young teenager. She also worked with the acclaimed Chicago Children's Choir for many years and traveled with them. Rebecca moved to Spartanburg in December 2018 to be closer to family as mobility became an issue. Remembering her with love and faith are her brother, Achilles Balabanis (Charlyn) of Sun City, AZ; sister, Toula Balabanis Chininis of Moore, SC and nephews and nieces, Nadine Balabanis Baxter of Auburn, WA, Rev. Thomas Chininis (Karen) of Amherst, NH, David Balabanis (Katharine) of Fresno, CA, Stephen Chininis (Maria) of Peachtree Corner, GA, Helen Balabanis of Sun City, AZ, Constantine Chininis (Diane) of Noblesville, IN, Kathryn Balabanis Peabody of Atlanta, GA and Kristina Chininis Berry (Todd) of Duncan, SC. Survivors also include her extended circle of family and friends. She was predeceased by a niece, Barbara Chininis. She loved her family greatly and was much loved in return. Private funeral services will be held Thursday, March 11, 2021 at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, with The Rev. Father Thomas Chininis and The Rev. Father George Nayfa co-celebrating. Burial will follow in Nazareth Presbyterian Church Cemetery, 680 Nazareth Church Road, Moore, SC 29369. Memorials may be made to the St. Nicholas Memorial Fund, 697 Asheville Highway, Spartanburg, SC 29303, or to your favorite charity. May her memory be eternal. Floyd's North Church Street Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Rebecca Balabanis please visit our Sympathy Store.