It is with great sadness that the family of Christina Balenzano DeRose announce the passing of their beloved Mother on Saturday, September 9, 2017 at the age of 95. Christina was born September 18, 1921 in Youngstown, a daughter of the late Sabino and Maria Stea Balenzano. At the age of three her parents returned to their home town, Bari, Italy with their two daughters Nina and Christina. Christina attended school in Italy and was an outstanding student. Her Father and Mother passed away by the time Christina was 15 years old. Christina then came back to the United States to live with her Aunt and Uncle Lucia and Nick Scavo in Youngstown, Ohio. She attended East High School and learned to speak English fluently in less than three years. After World War II, she met and married her beloved husband, Joseph DeRose on September 26, 1946. Christina had three children and was an excellent mother and homemaker. There wasn't anything she would not do for her children and they felt the same about her. She loved cooking and spending time with her family. Everyone loved her wedding soup and sauce and she was one of the best bakers around. She and her husband loved to dance and were considered the best dancers and most attractive couple on the dance floor especially when they did the Tango. She loved going to dinner and on vacation with her daughters. When they would go to restaurants around town and she was unable to join them, everyone that knew her at various restaurants would ask, "Where is your Mom tonight?" She was so personable and had a great sense of humor and everyone loved her. She leaves to cherish her memory her two loving daughters with whom she has made her home with the past eight years, Maria (Tom) Lisko and Sandra DeRose DeVicchio; a step-granddaughter, Amanda (Mike) Gushura; and four step-great-grandchildren, Ty, Chase, Lilly and Mikey and her grand dog, Cooper. She also leaves behind a special niece and nephew that she has had a very close relationship with, Nick and Carol DeRose DiFabio. Christina was preceded in death by her beloved husband Joseph and her son Joseph (Joey) Jr. who both passed away in 1981. A son Samuel passed away at birth. Also her three sisters that lived in Italy, Nina Musto, Raffaella DePalma and Elaina Burdi. Friends may call from 10 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, September 13, 2017 at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Boardman, followed by an 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial with the Rev. Gerald DeLucia celebrating the Mass for Christina. Maria and Sandra would like to thank the entire staff at Vista of Boardman where their Mom spent her last year and a special thanks to Hospice of the Valley for their loving care. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market Street, Boardman, Ohio 44512. Arrangements have been entrusted to the professional care of the Rossi Brothers and Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Avenue in Boardman. Family and friends may visit the Book of Memories at www.rossifunerals.com to view this tribute and send condolences to Christina's family.