Maria Bridget Hermanski

Maria was called Hon, Mom, Maria, Marika, Oma, Sister, and Friend to many. In 1931, John Balogh and Anna Borocz wed and started their lives in Csorna (Chorna) Hungary. God was good to them and blessed them with six children. Though life was difficult, it was happy until tragically it changed in 1945. The second world war caused the family to leave Hungary quickly and leave their oldest child, Elizabeth, behind. Five long years in an Austrian refugee camp followed. In 1950, permission was granted for them to come to America. They settled in Goshen, New York and later moved to Buffalo, and there remained.

Maria and Horst were married March 2,1957; a week short of 68 years. They were blessed with 3 children: Debra Ann (Glenn), Michael (Nadine), and Jeffrey, 7 Grandchildren, multiple nieces and nephews and Raya. Out of the 6 siblings, only Eva and Julius remain with us. Maria's siblings include Elizabeth Balogh (John Palinkas), Eva Balogh (Ihor Bulba), Katie Balogh (Nick Past), Julius Balogh (Lynne Rothenburg), Frank Balogh (Joanne Capizzi)

Maria worked as a Nanny for 21 years, Mail order Clerk for Handicapped Artists, Assembly line worker at a Perfume factory, and as a fur check-in girl at AM&A’s, In 1950 she worked in Campbell Hall, New York on a Dairy and Chicken Farm. She also was an Upstairs and Downstairs Maid at Mrs. Murphy’s (who never suspected that their Scotch may have been tampered with even though water was added to make up what they drank) later Maria Worked for Uncle Lou and Auntie Hernandaz where she learned to cook and take care of the sick.

Maria was a great crafter, hockey fan (Buffalo Sabres), crocheter, sewer, baker, photographer, Faithful church goer, and collector of many things and She was like a hawk when it came to Garage Sales signs.She was especially proud that Horst and her could travel and attend all her grandchildren’s High School graduations.Maria Loved Family, German music, Theater, rock and roll and Elvis! Let’s not forget Lawrence Welk Saturdays at 4pm!

Many found memories include Last Christmas, the entire family was together for Christmas Day. They came from Buffalo, Cleveland, Denver, New Hampshire and Phoenix. Mom still remembered who we all were. Mom was so Happy! It is a precious memory for all of us. God is Good! Even with her dementia, if you asked her how long have you been married? She would answer 67 years. When asked what the secret to a long marriage, without missing a beat said, “I Love him, and he Loves me”. During the last week of her life she wasn’t speaking anymore, just trying to breathe. The day before she died, she opened her eyes, looked at Horst, and said “I Love You”. These were her last words.

Maria was a deeply loved women and will be equally missed.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider a donation to the caring people at Saint Therese Adult Care Home 7842 W. Brown St. Peoria, AZ 85345. Or The Alzheimer Association for research.