Sarah E. "Sally" (Lahart) Baloga

     We are saddened to announce the passing of a beautiful woman, a devoted wife, loving mother and dear friend to many.  Mrs. Sarah Elizabeth (Lahart) Baloga, 93, was called home by Our Lord Thursday, the evening of May 7th while in the care of Allied Services Hospice Center, Wilkes-Barre following a prolonged battle with melanoma.  Although this was her God-given name, she was best known as "Sally" to family and friends.

     Mrs. Baloga was born on Wednesday, August 24, 1932 in Larksville to the late Thomas and Sadie (Houlihan) Lahart.  Educated in the West Side schools, she was a 1950 graduate of the former Larksville High School.

     Devoted to her Roman Catholic faith, she was a member of Saints Peter & Paul Parish, Plains, having been an active member of the former Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, North Wilkes-Barre.  She and her dear friend, the late Mrs. Mary "Tootsie" Shorts co-chaired the annual Sacred Heart Parish Bazaar for eleven years.

     Besides being the embodiment of a mother's love in raising several generations of her family, she also devoted much of her time to service.  She was a member of the Ladies of Christian Charity; obtained her ten-year pin with service to the American Red Cross; held membership in the North End Slovak Citizens' Club and the Ladies Auxiliary of the Luzerne American Legion, Post #525.

     In her spare time, Sally enjoyed making ceramics.  She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

     Mrs. Baloga was preceded in death by her brother, Mr. Thomas Lahart; Sisters, Mrs. Mary Smith and Mrs. Kathryn Walton; by sons, Mr. Joseph P. Baloga on November 3, 2012; Mr. Thomas C. Baloga on May 6, 2017 and most recently by her beloved husband, Mr. Joseph M. Baloga on August 23, 2023.  At the time of Mr. Baloga's passing, the couple shared sixty-nine years of married life together.

     Left to cherish all the wonderful memories they now keep of their mother are her daughters, Ann "Sissy" Hoedl and her husband Frank "Bud" of South Wilkes-Barre and Maria Choman along with her husband Matthew of Hanover Township; Daughter-in-law; Mrs. Peggy (O'Brien) Baloga of East End; Thirteen grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; her sister Mrs. Peggy Ungvarsky of Hagerstown, MD; Numerous nieces and nephews; neighbors and dear friends.

     Mrs. Baloga's family would like to gratefully acknowledge Margaret "Dee Dee" Mauriello and the staff of Allied Services Hospice Center for the compassionate care shown to their mom in her final days.

     Funeral services for Mrs. Baloga will be conducted on Wednesday, May 13th with her funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. in Saints Peter and Paul Parish, 13 Hudson Road, Plains Township.  The Reverend Monsignor John J. Sempa, pastor of Corpus Christi and Saint Barbara Parishes and personal family friend, will serve as celebrant and homilist.

     Interment with the Rite of Committal will be next to her husband in Sacred Heart of Jesus Roman Catholic Cemetery, Dorchester Drive, Dallas.

     Relatives and friends may join the Baloga family for visitation and shared remembrances directly at church Wednesday morning from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass.

     In lieu of floral tributes, the family would be honored if those wishing to make a monetary donation in their mother's memory, kindly consider Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.

     Those wishing to share online words of comfort or a fond memory of Miss Sally with her family are encouraged to do so on her memorial page at www.JohnVMorrisFuneralHome.com.

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