Mary Helen Balcke's Obituary
Mary Helen Balcke DavisWas born in Chicago, Illinois on May 11, 1930 and died Sunday, November 21, 2004 at St. Clare Hospital in Tacoma. Mary grew up in Pekin, Illinois and graduated from Pekin High School and Bradley University. She was the daughter of Dr. Louis and Helen Balcke of Pekin and was particularly proud of her FatherÂ's and GrandfatherÂ's medical service to the community and armed forces. Mary was the older sister of Sarah Monge (Emil) of Pekin, Illinois and Dora Bolin (John) of Lady Lake, Florida and together they were a close trio throughout her life, sharing travel and family experiences.Mary married John Davis on Feb. 2, 1951, and they are the wonderful parents of Greg, Jim, Laura and Bill, and grandparents of Patrick, Mary, Pete, Julia, Jill, Lisa, Steve and Ray. Together, John and Mary spent an exciting life together living in places around the world as a U.S. Air Force family including stints in Japan, Germany, and many U.S. bases prior to their final assignment at McChord AFB. Col. John Davis is retired in Lakewood.Mary volunteered her time to countless charities and worthy activities throughout her life including Red Cross, local hospitals, public schools, and the Orthopedic Guild of Tacoma. She was an active member and committee chairman at the Tacoma Country and Golf Club. She was a talented artist and created countless works of art in stained glass, paintings and crafts. She loved to travel and made new friends wherever she went.Most of all, Mary was a devoted Wife and Mother whose deep love, humor and talent created a nurturing and fulfilling life for her family.In lieu of flowers, MaryÂ's family requests donations be made to the United Cerebral Palsy of Washington, 204 72nd St. E., Tacoma, WA, in the name of Mary Davis.A memorial service will be held in the Mountain View Garden Chapel on Wednesday, November 24 at 10:00 am, followed by a reception for friends and family at the Tacoma Country and Golf Club.
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