Dorothy “Jean” Eakin (Balling), of Sarasota, Florida, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 14, 2026, at the age of 81, surrounded by the love of her family. Jean was born on December 26, 1944, in Queens, New York, to Arthur Vincent and Catherine Ann Balling (Hasselgren). She was the cherished sister of Patricia Ann Roberts (Balling) of Logansport, Indiana.

Jean grew up in the neighborhood of Woodside, Queens, New York where she graduated high school in 1962. Over the years, she lived in San Juan, Puerto Rico and Fairfax, Virginia before eventually making Florida her home, where she built a life filled with family, friendship, and cherished memories.

Jean is survived by her loving husband, Robert Nelson Eakin, and her beloved children: Vincent Lopez of Colorado Springs; Ricardo Lopez of Cincinnati; and Sandra Lopez, Roxana Lopez, and Diana Lopez, all of Sarasota. She also leaves behind 14 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren, each of whom brought her immense joy and held a special place in her heart.

Jean had a joyful spirit and a genuine appreciation for life’s pleasures. She was an avid tennis player and enjoyed both team and recreational tennis at Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club. She loved to dance and was happiest when surrounded by music, a good glass of wine, and, most of all, her family.

She will be remembered for the love she gave so freely, the strength she carried through life’s challenges, and the lasting impression she made on all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her legacy will live on through the lives she touched and the many memories she leaves behind.

A lifelong Catholic, Jean was a devoted member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Sarasota. Her faith was a guiding force throughout her life, providing her with strength, comfort, and a deep sense of community. Her family finds comfort in knowing that she is now at peace and reunited with the loved ones who went before her.

A service honoring Jean’s life will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church located 7900 Bee Ridge Rd, Sarasota Florida. Lunch reception will follow at local restaurant.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Alzheimer’s Foundation of America in remembrance of Jean Eakin.