Kathleen Lynn Balster

Kathleen Lynn Balster, 63, died April 23, 2010, at home in Cumming, GA surrounded by her loving family.

She was born in Corpus Christi, TX on December 18, 1946 to the late Capt. Leonard and Mary Patricia Nearman. A graduate of the University of South Dakota, Kathy married Jim W. Balster in 1969. The most important thing for Kathy was creating a loving home for her family. She also enjoyed her many friends in bridge and book clubs.

She is survived by her husband, Jim Balster; children, Jennifer (Dirk) Graves of Anderson, SC, Elysia (Roger) Gallivan of Cumming, GA, James Balster of Washington, DC, Erin Balster and Patrick Balster both of Atlanta, GA; grandchildren, Rebekah, Daniel, and Aidan Graves, Bridget and Joseph Gallivan; siblings, Maureen Nearman, Stephanie Sluder, Mary Bonanno, Fred Nearman, and Michael Nearman.

A vigil service will be held on Thursday, April 29 at 7pm. The funeral Mass will be on Friday, April 30 at 11am. Both will be held at St. Brigid Catholic Church, 3400 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek, GA 30022.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Kathys memory to Winship Cancer Institutes Lung Cancer Program Fund: Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Development Office, 1762 Clifton Road, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30322.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.byarsfuneralhome.com.

Byars Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Cumming, Georgia, 678-455-5815.