Mary Louise Balsis

Mary Louise Balsis was born on September 2, 1941, in Trenton, NJ, to Bernard A. Balsis, Sr., and Mary Louise (Brown) Balsis. After graduating from Cathedral HS, ML earned an Associates degree in Orthoptics from Westbrook Jr. College in Maine. Her career brought her to Houston where she was employed in the medical center for several years before marrying and becoming a mother.

She was a strong, determined woman with a great sense of humor. ML was a lifelong learner, dedicated sports fan, voracious reader, and a lover of the outdoors and adventure. She traveled and explored nearly all of the United States, and a few foreign countries with family; including camping in Colorado, backpacking in Texas, hiking in numerous states, climbing mountains in Colorado and New Mexico, and volcanoes in Hawaii.

She carried her love of the outdoors to her children through scouting, both Boy Scouts and Camp Fire Girls. She was a member of the Greater Houston chapter of Camp Fire Girls both as a council member and a group leader. As a group leader, she guided young girls to be strong independent women. She also was active in her church in both teaching positions as well as social activities.

ML returned to school earning a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics from the University of Houston. While at U of H, she assisted professors with research. Using her experience working with youth through church and as a Camp Fire Girls group leader, she embarked on a successful career as a math teacher at the Beren Academy in Houston.

ML is survived by her sister Jane Feary, brother Bernard Balsis, Jr (Remy), daughter Mary Beaudoin (Denis), son Dennis Grigassy, Jr (Debbie), daughter Beth Shaw (Justin), and daughter Jennifer Grigassy. She is also survived by grandchildren Nate Grigassy, Thomas Beaudoin, Catherine Beaudoin, Jacob Beaudoin, Foster Shaw, Rachel Shaw, and Vincent Graceffa as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their children. She is preceded in death by her sister Catherine Balsis.

A two-time cancer survivor, ML was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer shortly before Thanksgiving. She passed away peacefully early in the morning December 15, 2023 surrounded by family.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00am February 24, 2024 at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Rockwall, TX.

~~~~~~

Angel of God my guardian dear,

to whom God’s love commits me here,

ever this day be at my side,

to light and guard,

to rule and guide.

Amen