Francine Susanne Balogh

Francine Susanne Balogh, age 80 of Wheat Ridge, Colorado, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2020. She was the devoted wife to the late Joseph William Balogh who passed away in 2011. Born October 19, 1939, in Johnstown, PA, she was one of six daughters to Frank and Freda (Dekrines) Balazik, and graduated from Johnston Catholic High School (now Bishop McCort). Following graduation, she ventured off to Washington, D.C. and worked for the Department of Agriculture before marrying and starting a family. A loving mother, grandmother and sister, Francine is survived by her children, Michael Balogh, daughter-in-law Suzanne Smith, Victoria Balogh, Matthew Balogh, Nicole Aulik, and son-in-law David Aulik; grandchildren Gianna Balogh, Jordan Aulik and Margot Aulik; and sisters Joan Reed (predeceased), Patricia Pavlosky, Roberta Deter, Carol Lencki and Mary Lane. Francine was a ray of sunshine and brightened every room she entered. She was valued as an authentic and caring friend to the many she met over her years in Pennsylvania, Arizona and most recently, Colorado. Descriptions of her include: friendly, loving, witty, fair, strong, confident, independent, giving, thoughtful, selfless, compassionate, helpful, accepting, fair, inclusive, fearless, brave, faithful, charitable, wise, patient, etc. She loved to cook and bake for family, friends and church functions. She also adored spending quality time with her grandchildren, playing cards, bowling nine-pins, watching birds and wildlife, as well as game shows and the Hallmark Channel. Always looking for a deal, she was a coupon-clipper and took pride in never paying full price! There will be no formal memorial services. The family plans to “marry” Francine’s cremated ashes with that of her late husband, and plant a memorial tree in a protected Colorado forest to create a lasting legacy of reforestation. If you are inspired donations may be made in Francine’s memory to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital (www.stjude.org) or Best Friends Animal Society (www.support.bestfriends.org). The family wishes to thank all who prayed and cared for Francine during her last weeks, including the fabulous teams at Compassus Hospice of Denver and Sandalwood Rehabilitation Center of Wheat Ridge.