Frances "Franny" Balakir
Crown Point, Indiana
Age 95, passed away Monday, September 16, 2013 at Wittenburg Nursing Home in Crown Point. She was born January 13, 1918 in Gary, Indiana to the late Pitor "Peter" and Natalia (nee Gabryl) Gawlik. Frances was a retired shipping clerk for Anderson Co, and enjoyed sewing, cooking, the Polka and spending time with her family. She will be remembered as a wonderful mother, loving grandmother and great grandmother, and a phenomenal cook who made the best chicken noodle soup. Frances loved being with people; she never complained or said an unkind word to anyone.
She is survived by her daughter; Arlene McDonald, grandchildren; Michael McDonald and Laura (Charles) Cruise, great-grandchildren Jessica and Tara Cruise, and many very special nieces and nephews and other loving family members and friends.
Frances was preceded in death by her loving husband, Alexander, son, Richard (Barbara) Balakir, her parents, brother, Anthony Gawlik, sister, Mildred Prenizny and son-in-law, Nicholas McDonald.
A funeral service for Frances will be held on Sunday, September 22, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. with Father David Kime officiating at Rees Funeral Home, 600 West Old Ridge Rd., Hobart, Indiana, 46342. Burial will be held Monday, September 23, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at Calvary Cemetery in Portage. Visitation will also be held Sunday, September 22, 2013 from 11:00 a.m. until time of service. Call 219-942-2109 or online at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.