Marcia Ellen Balash

Marcia Ellen Balash, age 77, passed away February 2, 2024, at her home in Willoughby, Ohio, wrapped in the loving arms of her daughter and her grandson, her soul finally reunited in Heaven with her son Mark. She was born March 23, 1946, in Painesville to Thomas J. and Elsie (Masek) McGrath. Marcia proudly retired from a position she loved as records analyst for First Energy at the Perry Nuclear Power Plant in 2002, and later went back to work as a patient registrar at University Hospitals Geneva Emergency Room until 2014. She attended St. Mary’s Catholic School, Harvey High School, and Bowling Green University. She loved her role of grandmother more than anything and especially enjoyed cheering her grandkids on at every sporting event. Marcia was very proud of her Irish heritage and always sported her claddagh ring. She also enjoyed reading James Patterson mystery novels, gossiping, shopping, eating her favorite baked treats, and watching Steve Harvey on Family Feud with her beloved dog, Mrs. Jenkins. Her smile was contagious and she quickly became a friend to anyone she met.

Marcia is survived by and will be deeply missed by her son, Jeff (Mekesha) Balash; daughter, Kristen Balash; grandchildren, Thomas Balash, Renee Redenshek, Cane Balash, Scott Balash and Jace Balash; nieces Kimberly (John) Maki, Julie (Jamie) Bauer; and nephews Scott (Judy) McGrath, Joey Balash, and Michael (Tabytha) Balash; and godson Andrew Keller.

She was preceded in death by her son, Mark Thomas Balash, her parents, brother, Thomas (Cynthia) McGrath, sister, Nancy McGrath, and dear friend, Diana Andrikanich.

Friends and family will be received at Spear-Mulqueeny Funeral Home, 667 Mentor Ave. Painesville,OH, from 4:00-6:00PM on Friday, February 16, 2024.

A Catholic Mass will be held at St. Cyprian’s Church, 4223 Middle Ridge Rd. Perry, OH, on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at 2:00PM, followed by food and refreshments in the church hall.

“May the Irish hills caress you. May her lakes and rivers bless you. May the luck of the Irish enfold you. Saint Patrick behold you.”

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