Obituary of Mary Catherine Ballien

Ballien, Mary Merrill, Michigan Mary (Mallek) Ballien of Merrill, Michigan, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend passed away on May 12, 2021. Mary passed peacefully at her home with her loved ones by her side. She was born August 9, 1928 in Merrill, Michigan at the Shannon homestead to Frank and Lillian (Shannon) Mallek. She married Albert G. Ballien on June 18, 1949 at Sacred Heart Church in Merrill, Michigan. They were blessed with three great daughters Gloria (John) Jansen, Alice (Roger) Holman and Sara Kipfmiller; grandchildren Jessie (Biko) Claxton, Courtney, and Geoffrey Santoro: Chantal (Daniel), Rachelle and Gabrielle (Nicholas) Holman; Erica (Joe), Ashley, Adrian, and Erin (Josh) Kipfmiller; great-grandchildren, Zarah, Bakarri, Nya, Makaidah, future great-grandchildren baby Claxton and Joseph Olivarez. She is survived by sister Janice Lauckner and sisters-in-law Betty and Ruth Mallek. Mary was predeceased by her parents, her husband, infant son Thomas, brothers Daniel, John and George Mallek, brother-in-law Roger Lauckner, foster brother Kenneth Smith and his wife Berniece. In addition, she is survived by many much-loved nieces and nephews. Mary enjoyed watching the Detroit Tigers, sewing, and crocheting. She also loved spending time with her family and friends at gatherings. Mary was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the Hemlock-Merrill VFW Auxiliary. She owned two businesses, Ballien Accounting, and the Merrill Dairy Bar. Cremation has taken place. A memorial mass will be scheduled at a later date. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider the Merrill District Library or the Jonesfield-Lakefield Fire Department. To sign online guestbook, visit www.hyattewald.com Arrangements made with the Hyatt Ewald Funeral Home.