Susan Lee (Petrone) Ballem

Susan Lee Ballem (Petrone) of Boston passed away on November 2, 2025.  She was 87 years old.  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 St.  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 a 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. Visiting hours in the Pushard Family Funeral Home 210 Sherman St., Canton, Wednesday, November 12th from 3-6. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday at 1130 in Sacred Heart Church 169 Cummins Hwy, Roslindale. Interment Oaklawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Susan’s memory to the Dementia Society www.dementiasociety.org

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