Mary Lou never knew a stranger and was known for happily chatting with anyone. She was a voracious reader, spending many afternoons at the beach reading the latest novels from the library. An avid and talented quilter, she was a former member of multiple quilt guilds including the Bayside Quilt Guild in Easton, MD; Shorebirds in Pocomoke City, MD; and Schoolhouse Quilt Guild in Salisbury, MD, where she was a past president. She had several quilts published in national quilting magazines and was a founding member of the Moscow Country Fair in Moscow, PA. Additionally, Mary Lou reveled in passing on the art and tradition of quilting to others. She fiercely loved her family and devoted her life to her husband, children, and grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Patrick and Shawn Vanston, and her sister, Rosanne (Vanston) Melliand.
She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Dr. Daniel Balish of Salisbury, MD; her four children, Dr. Matthew Balish and his wife, Holly Anne of Salisbury, MD, Katrina Balish of Salisbury, MD, Brian Balish and his wife, Amanda of Severna Park, MD, and Michael Balish of Chicago, IL; five grandchildren, Liam and Emily Balish of Salisbury, MD, and Alessandra, Gavin, and Owen Balish of Severna Park, MD; a sister, Isabel Bartow of Winter Park, FL; a brother, Brian Vanston of Scranton, PA; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends near and far.
A Celebration of Life in keeping with Mary Lou’s wishes will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her memory to Coastal Hospice, PO Box 1733, Salisbury, MD, 21802.
