Sr. Rosemary Balog CSJ

Sr. Rosemary Balog was born in Port Huron, Michigan, on February 25, 1935, the daughter of John and Rowenna (Goff). Sr. Rosemary credits her mother’s enthusiasm for the faith, as a convert, for her being baptized only 13 days after her birth. Her admiration for the Sisters of St. Joseph began in first grade where she met Sister Anastasia at St. Christopher’s, Marysville.

Sr. Rosemary’s parents’ search for work took the family to several midwest states, and finally they settled in Peru, Indiana, for seven years. There, SSJ’s again entered her life - the Sisters of St. Joseph of Tipton, whose loving concern and good teaching extended to the whole family.

The family’s dream of returning to their parents’ families and owning a farm led them back to Marcellus, Michigan. For Sr. Rosemary the farm was an encounter with the Lord. She loved the animals, plants, woods and walking among the hills singing at the top of her lungs. At her Golden Jubilee, Sr. Rosemary remarked that it was a happiness to rediscover the SSJs. She attended eighth grades at St. Mary’s school in Niles where she met Sr. Leon and a wonderful group of Sisters of St. Joseph of Nazareth. During her last year of high school, Sr. Rosemary was at Nazareth Academy where Sister Claudia and other sisters strengthened her desire to be one of them. Sr. Rosemary would often remark that what she discovered in the sisters at Niles was what she wanted for life, and she knew she would find it as a Sister of St. Joseph of Nazareth.

Sr. Rosemary was a member of St. Margaret Mary Parish in Niles, MI, at the time of her entrance into the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Nazareth on September 1, 1955. She received the name Sister Mary Ignatius at her reception on July 2, 1956, but later returned to her Baptismal name. She pronounced first vows on July 2, 1958, and final vows on July 2, 1961.

Sister Rosemary earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Nazareth College. She continued graduate Studies at Wayne State University, obtaining a Master of Arts degree in Guidance and Counseling. Sr. Rosemary often remarked that during the 14 years she taught, she discovered different classes, cultures, and most important, the poor. Sr. Rosemary served at several parishes in Michigan, including St. Cyril in Taylor, St. James in Ferndale, and St. Anne in Detroit. During these years her desire to serve the poor in Peru, South America, grew, and the Congregation missioned her to Peru in 1971. She spent over 35 years ministering to the people of Nasca and Huaura in Peru. She met with community leaders, checked on projects, and taught catechists. Her ministry was centered on the needs of the people, always with a keen eye to the political and social conditions that created and sustained the poverty and plight of those who are poor.

In her later years, she moved to the Nazareth, Center giving a cheerful, encouraging word to every person she encountered as she went about doing good both at Nazareth Center and the wider southwest Michigan area. Sister Rosemary was actively involved in her retirement. Her relationship with the Latino community in the Diocese of Kalamazoo was a significant part of her retirement years. Her dedicated gifts of love and service were offered generously in ministry with the Hispanic Pastoral Leadership Formation Program – Instituto San Augustin, 2011-2020. Also, for several years she helped lead the Nazareth Pax Christi group, keeping Sisters informed about many social justice issues. Sr. Rosemary was a hard worker who served others with a joyful spirit. She is fondly remembered by her sister Elsie and brother Jack and her many nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews. May she now know fullness of joy in communion with God and all God’s people. “Que Dios la abrace con amorosa bienvenida a la vida eterna, la alegria y la paz.”

May She Rest in Peace!