Lee Ballem, Susan
By Canton CitizenSusan Lee Ballem (Petrone), 87, of Boston, passed away on November 2, 2025.
Susan was born in Naples, Italy, in 1938. She moved to the United States with her family in 1949, when she was 11 years old. The family eventually settled in Everett, and as a young girl she helped out at the candy counter at her mother’s convenience store on Bow Street.
She graduated from Everett High School, and after graduating worked at the John Hancock insurance company in Boston. Susan was a longtime resident of Hyde Park, where she provided daycare for dozens of children over many years. She also worked for various local supermarkets and restaurants.
She was a dedicated volunteer at the former Saint Joseph’s Church in Hyde Park, and later at Sacred Heart Church in Roslindale. She was a wonderful Italian cook, especially loved for the huge family dinners she hosted on Christmas and other holidays. She was a beloved member of her community, and a blessing to everyone who knew her.
Former wife of the late John E. Lee Jr. and the late Joseph A. Ballem. Loving mother of Kenneth A. Lee (wife Jane) of FL and John E. Lee of VA. Sister of the late Michael, Ernesto, and Aldo Petrone. Proud grandmother to Christopher Lee (wife Madi) of FL, Marina Lee, and Amy Lee of VA.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Thursday, November 13, at 11:30 a.m. in Sacred Heart Church, 169 Cummins Highway in Roslindale. Interment Oaklawn Cemetery. Arrangements by the Pushard Family Funeral Home, 210 Sherman Street. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Susan’s memory to the Dementia Society at www.dementiasociety.org.
Short URL: https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/?p=132607
Posted by Canton Citizen
on Nov 12 2025. Filed under Obituaries.
Both comments and pings are currently closed.
