Janice Lee Baleme

January 2, 1937 - September 9, 2026

Janice Lee Baleme, born Janice Lee Grasmick, passed peacefully on September 9, 2026, at St. Agnes Hospital in Fresno, California. She was born on January 2, 1937, in Fresno to Mollie and Carl Grasmick. She was the youngest of five children and was preceded in death by her parents, and all of her siblings.

janice shared 62 years of marriage with her beloved husband, Duane Baleme, until his passing in 2020. Together, they built a life centered around family, friendship, generosity, and love.

Janice had a huge and deeply empathetic heart. She believed in kindness and generosity and had a special gift for making people feel remembered and cared for. Giving and taking care of others was simply part of who she was. Every year at Christmas, Janice would "adopt" a family in need. She took great joy in purchasing gifts, food, and even a Christmas tree, and then delivering everything with her family in tow. She had a particular tenderness for children and women facing difficult circumstances and gave her time, resources, and compassion wherever she could.

Her love of children was evident throughout her life. Janice was active in the PTA and involved in her children's schools. Earlier in her life, she owned and operated a nursery school, where she created a warm, loving environment for children. She adored children, and they adored her.

Janice also devoted much of her life to giving back to her community. She participated in charitable organizations and was particularly involved with the Los Rancheros Guild, whose work benefited Valley Children's Hospital. The Guild's mission-to raise funds, advocate for children, and promote goodwill-was a natural fit for Janice and the causes closest to her heart.

She was a woman of many interests and talents. Janice loved country-western dancing and, in 1956, was runner-up in the Miss Fresno County Pageant, a preliminary to the Miss America Pageant.

Janice worked alongside her husband as office manager of Fresno Glass Company for more than 40 years. Together, they ran the family business until selling it in 2016. She also had a fascinating chapter in the entertainment business, managing bands, working as a booking agent, and bringing concerts to Fresno. Her entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to try something new were characteristic of her throughout her life.

Many will remember Janice for her famous Christmas Eves, and the beautiful cellophane gift baskets she lovingly prepared for family and friends. Giving brought her genuine joy, and even as age made it more difficult, she never lost the desire to give something to someone she loved.

She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Her family was the center of her world, and Janice carried an enormous capacity to love and to help others. Her family is grateful for the memories and lessons she leaves behind.

Janice is survived by her son, Daren Baleme; her daughter, Jennifer Baleme Tudor (Greg); her grandchildren, Matthew Tudor and Katharine Tudor; and numerous beloved nephews.

Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to remember Janice may make a donation to the Poverello House or the Marjaree Mason Center.