Rosemary E. Balchak, (née O’Keefe) of Strongsville, OH, age 96, born October 11, 1925, passed away November 15, 2021. Predeceased by her beloved husband of 56 years Ernest (Ernie). She is survived by her adult children Thomas M. Balchak (Natalie née Abrams), James J. Balchak (JoAnn née Hendricks) and Kathleen Fahey (Daniel). Grandchildren Matthew & Allison Balchak, Carrie (Balchak) Lombardo, Molly (Fahey) Matonti, and Anna (Fahey) Camera-Funk. Great grandchildren Emma Lombardo, Maxwell Matonti, Andrew Camara and Samantha Funk. Rosemary was the second born child of Margaret and Aloysius O’Keefe. She is survived by two brothers; John (Jack) and Robert O’Keefe. Predeceased by older sister, Margaret (Peggy) Vasko, younger brother, Albert O’Keefe & younger sister Patricia O’Keefe. Rosemary lived with her husband and children in Parma Heights until they were all out of the nest. In later life they lived in Strongsville. She was an active volunteer at Incarnate Word Academy, St. John Bosco, St. Joseph’s and St. Vincent de Paul. She also volunteered at the community center at Olympia Senior Community. She was a painter, loved music, and an avid reader. Most of all, she was a wonderful friend.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Crossroads Hospice, St. Vincent de Paul, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or the National Down Syndrome Society. A Mass of Christian Burial and internment ceremony will be at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Strongsville, OH at 10:00 am on January 8, 2022. For updated information, please visit the Zabor Funeral Home website. www.zaborfh.com
Messages of Condolence
Jim: My deepest condolences to you and your family on the passing of your Mother. I wish all of you nothing but the best. Rex B. Hamilton
Tom and Natalie, at this time of great loss you are in our thoughts. No words can convey the impact of a mother’s reach. As she is now out of your sight, we wish you comfort and peace.
Karen and Bill Hart
Rosemary was my 5th grade Confirmation Sponsor at St. Charles Parochial School in Parma. Mr. Balchak worked with my father, Lucien Dreyer, at Chevrolet in Brook Park. They were dear friends of my parents and our family. I drove down to visit them in Strongsville many times and drove down to visit Rosemary. I had tried to call Rosemary several times and then found out, a few days ago, that she had died. Mr. Balchak was my youngest brother’s god-father. I will be present for the Memorial Service on Saturday, Jan. 8. I remember Tom, Jim and Kathy fondly.