Cecilia D’Antuono Balderston beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away on September 24th, 2026, at the age of 73. Cecilia lived a life defined by her vibrant, engaging spirit that touched everyone she met.

Born on August 4, 1953, Cecilia grew up in a close-knit, loving Italian family alongside her five siblings—her brothers Michael and Matthew, her sisters Connie and Santina, and her twin sister, Carmela in Silver Spring, Maryland. Her childhood was filled with lively family gatherings, Sunday meals, laughter, and countless memories made with her large circle of Italian cousins. Those bonds remained strong throughout her life, and her cousins continued to be some of her dearest friends.

While attending the University of Maryland, Cecilia met the love of her life, Stephen Balderston. After graduating and marrying, she left the suburban life she had known to begin a new chapter on an apple and peach orchard in rural Maryland. Though country life was a big adjustment, she embraced it wholeheartedly, creating a warm and welcoming home where family and friends always felt loved.

Cecilia dedicated her professional life to the care of others and the advancement of her field. She earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Nursing from the University of Maryland. She went on to serve our nation’s veterans for 30 years at the Maryland VA, where she was the Director of Employee Education. She spent her last three working years with the Federal Department of Veterans Affairs, where she helped establish the VA Nursing Academy. Throughout her career and lifetime, Cecilia was the ultimate protector of her family’s health—always the first to research medical solutions, track down specialist referrals, and offer guidance whenever a loved one was in need.

Known affectionately as “Nonna” to her grandchildren, “Aunt Ce” to her nieces and nephews, “Ce” to her siblings, and “Cece” or Cecilia to her friends, she was a natural host who thrived on bringing people together. An accomplished Italian cook, baker and hostess, her kitchen was always filled with the aromas of spectacular meals, laughter, and an open invitation to gather around her table.

In 2016, Cecilia was diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia. Over the past 10 years, the condition gradually stole the voice of a woman who was famously social and communicative. Yet, even as her speech faded, her beautiful essence never did. She retained her sharp sense of humor until the very end, constantly finding moments of joy and shared laughter with her family and devoted caretakers.

Cecilia is survived by her loving husband, Stephen Balderston; her two daughters and their families: Emily Driskell, her husband Brian, and their children Henry and Abigail; and Lauren White, her husband Eric, and their children Claire and Caleb. She is also survived by her devoted siblings: Carmela Groves (Gerald), Connie Dwyer, Matthew D’Antuono (Carol Ann), Michael D’Antuono (Beryl), and Santina Hines, and her sister-in-law Donna Kaiser (Donald), as well as a large, loving extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will miss her dearly.

She is preceded in death by her parents Michael and Carmela D’Antuono. Cecilia’s legacy of love, laughter, and service will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Her legacy lives on in the family she nurtured, the traditions she created, the lives she cared for, and the love she gave so freely. She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

A celebration of Cecilia’s life will be held on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at 11:00AM at The Church of the Good Shepherd, 831 Aiken Avenue Perryville, MD 21903. Friends and family may begin visiting at 10:00AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent to the National Aphasia Association, https://aphasia.org/ways-to-donate/.