Emma Jean Balizet

Emma Jean Swartz Balizet, 96, passed away peacefully on December 30, 2025, surrounded by family at her daughter’s home in East Lyme, Connecticut.

Born August 14, 1929, on the family homestead in Jericho, Sinnamahoning, Pennsylvania, Emma was raised by her parents, Laura and Arthur Swartz, alongside her sister Sandy and brother Roy.  Emma developed a lifelong love of music, beginning piano lessons at age 12 and later becoming a self-taught organist. She married Tom Balizet on July 16, 1950, and together they performed music throughout Pennsylvania as “Tom & Jean”.  Emma and Tom were also world travelers.  Some of their favorite trips brought them to The Roman Colosseum, the Greek Parthenon, the Vatican, the Holy Lands, China, Hong Kong, Hawaii, Bermuda, the Markets of Tangier and the Pyramids of Egypt, where Emma rode a camel.

Emma’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her four children, Denise Darcell of Niantic, CT, Philip Balizet of East Lyme, CT, Karen and husband Bob Dupuis of East Lyme, CT, and Rick Balizet of Emporium, PA, her sister Sandy Kreckle and family of Kersey, PA, as well as her beloved granddaughters, Kara Richardson, Renee Lavallee, Danielle O’Connor and Lauren Skolnick  and great-grandchildren, Tully & Rory Richardson, Drake, Bryant & Louis Lavallee, Jake & Tyler O’Connor and Mick Skolnick.  

A Celebration of Life will be held in the coming weeks in East Lyme, Connecticut. Emma will then be laid to rest on her birthday in Pennsylvania at Gilmore Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.