Mary Genevieve Balich

Mary Genevieve Balich was born January 3, 1933 and passed away on June 8, 2024 at the age of 91. Born and raised in Bridgeport, Chicago, she remained there proudly almost her entire life when a brief illness moved her closer to family at age 89.  Mary was a lifelong parishioner of St. Jerome Croatian Catholic Church. She loved to garden and loved dogs. Especially her beloved poodles- Bebe and Mala.  She was a bookkeeper and secretary for several Chicago area parishes as well as a 25-year devoted volunteer for the Croatian Franciscan Monastery in Hyde Park, Il. Her secretarial and organization skills were meticulous. Mary loved to play Wheel of Fortune and crossword puzzles - “keep her mind sharp”. She was a gifted whiz with letters and numbers.

Mary was the devoted daughter of the late Joseph and Dobra Balich; dear sister of the late Anton (Ann) Dodaja, Ann (Anthony) Perino, Anthony (Eva) Balich, Christ (Mildred) Balich, Jack Balich, Julia (George) Paljetak and Justine (Fred) Rothenberger; loving aunt to many, many nieces and nephews. She loved nothing more than the young members of the family. Her playful nature and sense of humor made her loved by many.

Please omit flowers and donations as they are not necessary. Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 13th from 10:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M. at St. Jerome Croatian Catholic Church 2823 S. Princeton Avenue, Chicago.  Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 A.M. 

Internment private  St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Evergreen Park

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