Born in Coaldale, she was a daughter of the late Michael and Mary (Michalick) Balish.

A 1934 Coaldale High School graduate, Julia was an active member of the former SS. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church, and was a member of SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Tamaqua.

She was past president of the Rosary Society and a member of the Daughter's of Mary, while serving as secretary of the First Slovak Catholic Ladies Associaton during her years at SS. Cyril & Methodius.

Julia retired from the former Kiddie Kloes of Lansford.

She is survived by a sister, Mrs. Mary (Balish) Blasko of Harrisburg; caregivers Rose Ann Weaver and Lori Swinburne; many nieces and nephews.

She was also preceded in death by brothers Frank and Joseph Balish; and sisters, Mrs. Anna Yarosky and Mrs. Rose Morana.

Service: Mass of Christian Bural on Wednesday, April 7, 2010, at 11 a.m. in SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 307 Pine St., Tamaqua, with the Rev. William Linkchorst officiating. Interment in SS. Cyril & Methodius Cemetery, Nesquehoning. The family will receive friends from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday in the church.

Memorials in her name may be made to St. Luke's Hospice, 360 W. Ruddle St., Coaldale, Pa. 18218. The E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home Inc., 655 E. Broad St., Tamaqua, is in charge of arrangements. Online registry and condolences may be signed at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com

Published in Times News, Lehighton, PA, on 02 April 2010