Margaret L. "Marge" Balek

In Loving Memory of Margaret "Marge" L. Balek.

September 7, 1926 – September 6, 2025

Margaret "Marge" L. Balek, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 6, 2025, just one day before her 99th birthday.

She was born in Detroit, Michigan, to Elias and Florence (née Willemys) Muylaert, on September 7, 1926. Marge was the youngest of eight children, and she grew up surrounded by a large and loving family.

In Detroit, Marge met the love of her life, Norbert E. Balek, who lived just around the block. It was love at first sight, and they married on June 26, 1948. They shared a beautiful marriage of endless love and memories until Norbert's passing in 1999. Together, they were blessed with four children: Edward, Deborah, James, and Jerome.

Marge worked as a clerk at Farms Market in Grosse Pointe in her younger years. She briefly stepped away to devote herself fully to raising her family. Once her children were grown, she returned to Farms Market, where she became the produce manager. This was a role Marge took great pride in and truly enjoyed.

In her free time, Marge enjoyed tending to her gardens, both flowers and vegetables. She also liked completing word search puzzles, playing euchre and pinochle with her card club, and joining bus trips to local casinos, where she favored the slot machines. At home, she loved watching Wheel of Fortune and reading books by Danielle Steel and Nora Roberts.

A devout Catholic, Marge faithfully attended Mass throughout her life and lived each day guided by her strong faith. Her devotion to the Lord and her family shaped the way she lived-with love, kindness, and grace.

Above all else, Marge's life revolved around her family. She was a devoted mother and caregiver, always willing to do anything for those she loved. There was nothing that she wouldn't do for her family, and this was evident in her caring and loving way. Time spent with her children and grandchildren brought her endless joy.

Beloved wife of the late Norbert E. Balek. Dear mother of Edward (Coleen), Deborah, James (Nanette), and Jerome (Beth Brinker). Adored grandmother of seven, great-grandmother of twelve, and great-great-grandmother of two. Cherished aunt of many nieces and nephews. Best friend of Dorothy Marcel.

Marge is preceded in death by her parents, Elias and Florence Muylaert; her husband, Norbert E. Balek; and her siblings, Elsie Griffin, Mary Pattyn, Bertha Muylaert, Leona Kraus, Magdelina Pioch, George Muylaert, and Oscar Muylaert.

Visitation for Marge will be held on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, between 2:00 pm and 8:00 pm at Bagnasco & Calcaterra Funeral Home, located at 13650 East Fifteen Mile Road, Sterling Heights, Michigan 48312. A scripture service will take place at 6:30 pm on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, also at the funeral home.

Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at 10:00 am at St. Thecla Catholic Church, located 20740 South Nunneley Road, Clinton Township, Michigan 48035. Marge will lie instate at St. Thecla Catholic Church beginning at 9:30 am, until the time of Mass.

Following funeral services, Marge will be cremated and later interred at Resurrection Cemetery, in Clinton Township, Michigan, where she will be reunited with her husband, Norbert.

Rest in peace, Margaret Louise Balek. She will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.