Mary Patricia Balsamo (Age 91) passed away on Wednesday, April 6, 2022 at St. John of God Retirement and Care Center in Los Angeles. She was born October 7, 1930 in Freeport, IL to the late William and Lorraine (Garrity) Stein.

Mary Pat was a 1948 graduate of Aquin Catholic High School and later attended Highland Community College. She worked in the offices at Structo, at Colliers Music Store in downtown Freeport (which she especially enjoyed because of her love of Jazz), and for many years as a sales associate at JC Penny's.

While in grade school she met a young Martin (Marty) Balsamo. Years later, and after a long courtship, they eventually wed on October 28, 1961.

Mary Pat and Marty both loved music, dancing, bike-riding, hiking, and playing tennis. They also were avid cross-country skiers and participated in the Korteloppet race in Hayward, WI. They continued staying active and having fun together until Marty's death in 2006.

Mary Pat was an amazing daughter, wife, mother, and friend. She always looked on the bright side of life and could easily (and often) be brought to laughter. She especially always looked forward to going on vacations with her family and friends.

Mary Pat was preceded in death by her parents and husband. She is survived by her daughter Lori and son-in-law John McCarthy of Los Angeles .

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2022 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Freeport at 11:00 a.m. There will be a visitation before the service beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Calvary Cemetery in Freeport. In lieu of flowers, you may donate to the Alzheimer's Association at https://act.alz.org/site/TR/Events/Tributes-AlzheimersChampions?pg=fund&fr_id=1060&pxfid=739928.

Click here to view the fund page for Mary Patricia Balsamo

Condolences may be shared at www.walkermortuary.com .