Emma K. "Emily" Balko

Emma K. "Emily" Balko , 101, lifelong resident of Zion Grove passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, April 13, 2024, surrounded by her family.

Born in Zion Grove on August 20, 1922, she was a daughter of the late Stephen and Emma (Fellin)Fellin.

Emma was a 1939 graduate of North Union Township High School in Nuremberg.

Emma was employed in the garment industry, at her sister's catering business Spic & Span and Gus Genetti Restaurant and Catering, for many years. She made and sold hand woven rag rugs during the War Time years to supplement the family income.

She enjoyed playing the piano and cooking. Emma will be remembered for her kindness to her neighbors and friends.

Emma was very proud of her Tyrolean heritage.  Her father immigrated to America from Revo, Austria (now Italy), in 1892 at age 16 to work in the anthracite coal mines of Pennsylvania.  Emma was born and spent her entire life in the home her parents purchased in Zion Grove, in 1917.

She was a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Weston; Tirolesi Alpini of HazletonPA; VFW Auxiliary Unit 816, Conyngham; American Legion Auxiliary Unit 616, Sheppton; and the Weston Athletic Association.

Emma was the last surviving member of her immediate family. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her two husbands, Edward Palubinsky and Emil Balko; her siblings: Matilda Fellin, Joseph Fellin, David Fellin (Sheppton Mine Disaster), Della Skurka and Barbara Martini.

She is survived by her children Edward Palubinsky, Mary Ellen Palubinsky, Carol Ann(Palubinsky) Zielinski and Geraldine(Balko) Serenshock; her grandchildren: Lee Ann (Palubinsky)White, Stephen Palubinsky and Christina (Serenshock)Galbiati; several belovednieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services will be private at the convenience of the family. Emma will be laid to rest in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Sheppton.

Memorial contributions can be made, in Emma's name, to the Nuremberg Weston Fire Co., 459 Hazle Street Sugarloaf, PA 18249

An act of kindness to your neighbor would honor her memory, as her guiding principle throughout life was, "You may be the only light in someone's darkness."

Sign the guestbook, leave personal condolences and for further information please visit www.thomasmsullivanfuneralhome.com

Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home Inc., Frackville is in charge of the arrangements.