Vanessa Marie Balzano

October 24, 1979 - January 17, 2022

Vanessa Marie Balzano was born on October 24, 1979 in San Diego, CA. Vanessa (aka Nessa/Ness) had a natural intelligence and maturity from the very beginning and was eager to get out into the real world. She had a broad span of talents and knowledge nurtured at the Children’s Creative and Performing Arts Academy (CCPAA) in Clairemont and the Grauer college preparatory school in Encinitas. Her love of music surfaced early during piano and choral singing lessons and exploded into full bloom with the advent of MTV and ‘noodling’ on her guitar. Nessa worked as a Teaching Assistant at CCPAA and as a nanny, tutor, and personal assistant for multiple families. These broad life experiences included traveling to France with one of the families in order to continue tutoring for their boys. In France she discovered her passion for cooking and baking. She learned the joy of making her own sauces and developed skills to bring out the best of a meal with the right pairings and condiments. Later in life, Vanessa established a business career in Human Resources with large-scale companies such as NetStar-1, Total Wine & More, Noodles & Company, and Panera Bread. Ness was a true people person who always found the best qualities and good in all those she connected with around her. This skill evolved and thrived in the human resources field where she used it to cultivate values-based work environments and organizational culture for the remainder of her adult life. Outside of work, Ness was always the fashionista and foodie. She loved exploring new restaurants and thrived on bringing people together around a good meal. Her happiest moments were when she was surrounded by those she loved, with great food and beverages for all. Ness was also a loving caretaker to her dog, Linus, a French bulldog who she brought home as a small puppy while living in Maryland. Linus was an opinionated and adorable constant companion in her life for the last 13 years. Despite his significant medical conditions, she continuously cared for him including stroller walks, home cooked meals and endless snuggles. Ness is survived by her father Gerald (Jerry) Balzano, mother Nancy Adams, stepmother Lori Clarke and sister Felicia Balzano. She passed away in San Diego, CA on the evening of January 17, 2022 in the presence of family. Ness made a loving, indelible mark on everyone she encountered. Although we will forever hold her in our hearts, there will be no public memorial service and, in lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to the French Bulldog Rescue Network (FBRN) at FrenchBulldogRescue.Org or to a non-profit organization of your choice in memory of Vanessa. ADDITIONAL SUGGESTIONS: Education non-profits: https://www.thebalancesmb.com/best-education-nonprofits-working-with-public-schools-4178960 Just in Time for Foster Youth: https://jitfosteryouth.org/ An organization that assists former foster youth with setting up their first home, getting through college, and starting a career. Their mission is to engage a caring community to help transition age foster youth achieve self-sufficiency and well-being. San Diego Rescue Mission: https://www.sdrescue.org/ Since 1955, the San Diego Rescue Mission has been providing meals, shelter, clothing, education and job-skills training for men, women, and single parents with children experiencing homelessness.