Kathleen Balkow

1925 - 2010

Kathleen Balkow
1925 - 2010
Kathleen Balkow, 85, peacefully passed away with her daughter by her side on October 11, 2010.
Kathleen was born July 9, 1925 in Bridgeport, Connecticut to John and Nora Fitzpatrick. She was the youngest of four children. She attended local Catholic schools and graduated from St. Charles High school. She was a bank teller until she married in 1947 and moved to Tucson. She was a homemaker while volunteering at her children's school and church. Her faith and family were always important to her. As her children grew older, she went to work in the printing business she owned. She also enjoyed the company of her friends, especially her dear friend Christine Chavez. When she retired she moved to Santa Maria to live with her daughter and family. She became involved with the Catholic Charities store and eventually was appointed to the Catholic Charities Board. She made many friends with other volunteers and customers during her time there. In the summer of 1994 she was able to fulfill her dream to travel to Ireland with a friend from high school. She was very proud of her Irish heritage.
Kathleen is survived by her sons Hal Balkow (Judy) and Jerry Balkow (Alice): and her daughter Kathy Wittke (Dean). She also leaves behind ten grandsons and one granddaughter, Katie. She was preceded in death by her son Jimmy, her parents, and sisters Marge, Eileen and brother Joe.
A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, October 16, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Reception to follow.
The family wants to thank the staff at the Villa Maria Care Center for their loving care and kindness to our dear mother and grandmother. She felt at home there for the past three years.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The National Fibromyalgia Association for Research, 2121 S Towne Centre, Anaheim, CA 92806 or the Vasculitis Foundation, P.O. Box 28660, Kansas City, Missouri 64188.
Arrangements are in the care of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home and Crematory. Sympathy notes and words of support may be expressed at www.magnermaloney.com.