Obituary of Mary Louise Balaj

Mary Lou Balaj, 84, passed away on Saturday, October 18, 2014 in Akron. Mary Lou was born in Akron on February 7, 1930 to the late Anna & Gerson Dillard. A lifelong Akron resident, she married Charles Balaj in 1951. Mary Lou loved cooking, sewing, entertaining family & friends, and playing cards. She was an active member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, volunteering with Bingo and other church events. Mary Lou also volunteered at the Francesca House. In addition to her parents, Mary Lou was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years Charles; and children Christine Cole & Mark Balaj. She is survived by her children Randy (Beth) Balaj & Lori (Wade) Arterburn; son-in-law Larry Cole; grandchildren Matt (Kadi) Cole, Dan (Brandi) Cole, Tracy (Allen) Lanham, Steve (Brenda) Cole, Chad (Kim) Balaj, Elise (Michael) Finkell, Allen (Erica) Balaj, Jason Balaj, Taylor Arterburn, Mitchell Arterburn and Lilly Arterburn; great-grandchildren Ethan, Sydney, Jocelyn, Gage, Nadia, Kayla and Alexandria; brother Jim (Jackie) Dillard; and many loving cousins and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 AM Thursday, October 23 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 4019 Manchester Rd., in Akron. The family will receive friends immediately following the mass at the Anthony Funeral Home, Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz Chapel, 1990 S. Main St, in Akron. Private interment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery. Donations in Mary Lou's honor may be made to Harbor Light Hopsice, 800 Roosevelt Road, Bldg C suite 206, Glen Ellyn IL 60137or http://www.harborlighthospice.com/donate/. (Anthony, Akron, 330-724-1281, anthonyfh.com)