Obituary: Rosaria A. Balka, 90, Formerly of Matawan

Rosaria A. Balka, 90, (nee Sadie Pagano) peacefully left this world on Sunday, Feb. 17, with the quiet strength and dignity with which she lived her life. She is predeceased by her husband of seventy years, Lawrence J Balka in 2011, and now joins him in eternity.

Rosaria was born in Matawan, NJ and was raised in Cheesequake with her thirteen brothers and sisters. She moved to Carteret in 1945 and lived there until her passing. She was always there to lend a helping hand to a neighbor or friend, and her home was always open to all. The aromas that swirled through her kitchen on any given Sunday when her family gathered together was when she was happiest. And there was always a magically knitted sweater or hat that found its way into your hands before you left. Her rose bushes were her pride and joy, and found comfort and peace when working in her garden.

Rosaria is survived by her daughter Judith Wood and husband Robert of Bridgewater; son Lawrence Balka and wife Jayne of Wall; grandchildren Scott Wood and wife Lori of Succasunna; Shawn Wood and wife Cindy of Stewartsville; Sheryl Storms and husband Kevin of Bridgewater; Stacey Bray of Branchburg; Kaitlin Balka of Baltimore, MD; Jennifer Balka of Wall and nine great-grandchildren. Sleep peacefully dear mother knowing that your family’s happy memories will be what sustains and comforts us during this difficult time.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, February 20, 2013, from 10am to 12pm at Day Funeral Home, 361 Maple Place, Keyport, NJ  07735, with a funeral service during those hours. Entombment will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery, Keyport.  For more information, please visit www.dayfuneralhome.com.