Mary Batalo

Batalo, Mary "Mem" Zatazula, 91, of Glen Allen, VA (formerly of McLean , VA ), died October 18, 2013. Born June 16, 1922 in Martins Ferry, OH she was preceded in death by her parents Sava and Marta. Mary graduated from Wheeling High School May 28, 1940. Upon graduation, she moved to Alexandria , VA , where she lived in a boarding house during World War II and worked at the Pentagon and later on Capitol Hill for Senators Andrew F. Schoeppel, Alexander Wiley and W. Chapman Revercomb. Although she gave up the career she loved to become a homemaker, Mary continued to indulge her passion for politics throughout her life, she spent the entire summer of 1973 watching the televised Watergate Hearings. A founding member of St. Luke Serbian Eastern Orthodox Church in McLean, Mary belonged to the Circle of Serbian Sisters, where she enjoyed working in the kitchen making her legendary Nut Rolls. Mary was a fabulous cook, making everything from scratch, she protected her Mexican Wedding Cookie recipe with a fervor. She even made scrambled eggs for her beloved dog, Misha. She enjoyed playing bridge, working crossword puzzles, and spending time at the ocean and the mountains. Most of all she was known for her indomitable spirit. Mary leaves behind her beloved and devoted husband of 69 years, George Batalo, her daughter Karen Batalo and son David Batalo, a granddaughter, Tor and great grandson Brody, all of Richmond, her brother Rudy Zale of Wheeling, several cousins, nieces and nephews. Mary endured her suffering from Atrial fibrillation with dignity and grace and her soul now rests in peace with her Eternal Father. The family would like to thank the nursing and administrative staff of Our Lady of Hope and Bon Secours Hospice who cared for and comforted her in her final hours. The family will receive friends Sunday, October 20 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. at Woody Funeral Home, 1771 N. Parham Road, Richmond . Her funeral will be 11 a.m. Monday, October 21 at St. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 30 Malvern Ave. , Richmond . Interment will follow at Hollywood Cemetery