Judith Ann (Gwin) Balsizer, 61, of Simpsonville, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on December 16, 2022 surrounded by her family after battling a year long illness. She was born on July 31, 1961 in Bellevue, Ohio to Robert and Mary (Lieber) Gwin. She and her family moved to Bowling Green, Ohio, in 1967. Judy was a 1980 graduate of Bowling Green High School and then received an Associate Degree from Owens Technical College in Fashion Merchandising. Deciding to change career paths she then completed a degree in Culinary Arts from the Culinary Institute of America of Hyde Park, NY, in 1986.
Judy started her culinary career at the Hyatt on Capital Square in Columbus, OH, specializing in baking and pastry. It was there where she met her husband of 29 years, Bill. after spending time working for Hyatt hotels in the Cayman Islands and Orlando Florida they relocated to Greenville, SC. In 1996 they opened Two Chefs Deli and Market in downtown Greenville. They later opened a second Eastside location. Judy was a skilled chef and businesswoman. Judy served as two term Board President of Fall for Greenville. Two Chefs won thirteen Silver Spoons, including four Grand Champions for best tasting food products during this event. Two Chefs has catered hundreds of events over the years for residents and different organizations in the Greenville area. She also was a past board member for the St. Francis Foundation.
Judy loved creating fresh and healthy food and enjoyed dining in the finest restaurants throughout the country. She especially enjoyed traveling to California wine country and vacationing on the beaches of the Carolina’s. Meeting chef Thomas Keller at his Napa Valley French Laundry restaurant was a special memory for Judy.
Judy had a passion for gardening and growing flowers, that she inherited from her mother Mary and grandmother Eunice Lieber. Her goal was to one day become a Master Gardener, and a visit to her Simpsonville home would be testimony to that zealousness. She also enjoyed her nine hole Sunday golfing round with her husband Bill. She rescued and raised many cats over the years including Archie who she leaves behind.
Judy is survived by husband, William Balsizer; mother, Mary (Lieber) Gwin; brother Stephen (Janet) Gwin, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father Robert Gwin; brothers John and Timothy Gwin.
Services for Judy were private and she will be laid to rest with other family members in Bowling Green, Ohio. A celebration of life for Judy will take place on May 27, 2023 from 2-5pm at the Bowling Green Country Club, Fairview Ave. Bowling Green, OH.
Memorials can be made to the Greenville, SC, Humane Society, 305 Airport Rd Greenville, SC, 29607.
