Obituary of Mary Clara Balka

Mary Clara (Beam) Balka, 88, of Forked River, NJ formerly of Carteret, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 5, 2016 at her home with her loving family at her side. Born on December 31, 1927 in the Ludlow section of Asbury, NJ, she was the oldest of six children to Joseph Harold Beam and Anna Petruska Beam. Raised in Asbury, she moved to Port Reading before living in Carteret to raise her family. Mary was a graduate of Woodbridge High School Class of 1945. She was crowned Miss Port Reading in 1943. Mary was the Senior Citizen Coordinator for the Carteret Housing Authority before retiring. She enjoyed crocheting, knitting, and arts and crafts. She enjoyed her many ski trips with family. As an accomplished musician, playing the piano, violin, and the organ, she was the former organist for St. Anthony of Padua Church, Port Reading, NJ. A loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Mary leaves behind a cherished legacy. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a brother, three sisters, and her son-in-law, Arthur R. Shadell. Surviving are her husband of 68 years, Louis A. Balka; four children, Diane Shadell, Louis A., Jr. and his wife Constantina, Thomas J. and his wife Deborah A., Maryann Ziolkowski and her husband Matthew; six grandchildren, Alexandria, Arthur Jr., Kathleen, Kevin, Erin, and Zachary; 11 great-grandchildren; a brother, Robert H. Beam and his wife Jane. Online condolences are to be sent to www.MacFaddenFuneralHome.com Friends may call from 2-4 and 6-8 PM Friday, March 11, 2016 at MacFadden Funeral Home, 325 Hardwick Street, Belvidere, NJ. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:30 AM Saturday, March 12, 2016 at St. Patrick R.C. Church, 327 Greenwich Street, Belvidere, NJ. Interment will follow in St. Gertrude Cemetery, Colonia, NJ. In lieu of flowers, contributions are requested to be made in her memory to the Alzheimer's Association, 400 Morris Ave, Suite 251, Denville, NJ 07834-1365.