Sister Damian Baloga

April 24, 1924 - December 12, 2016

Sister M. Damian (Theresa) Baloga died on December 12, 2016, at Lehigh Valley Muhlenberg Hospital in Bethlehem, Pa. She was 92 and in her 69th year of religious life.

Born Theresa Baloga in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., Sister Damian was the last living member of her family. She entered our community from Sacred Heart Parish in 1945 and asked to be named after her brother, Father Damian Baloga.

Sister entered the community from Sacred Heart Parish in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., in 1945 and professed her first vows in 1947 at Mount Assisi Convent in Pittsburgh, Pa. She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Mount Mercy College (Carlow University) in Pittsburgh, Pa.

Sister Damian taught the elementary grades in the Pennsylvania towns of McKees Rocks, Shenandoah, Ambridge, Emmaus, Tarentum and West Lawn; in the New Jersey towns of Clifton, Jersey City, Guttenberg and Boonton; and in Webster, Mass. Sister also taught CCD, tutored and enjoyed helping little ones with their homework in afterschool care. After 61 years of active ministry, she retired to Monocacy Manor and served in prayer ministry.

She enjoyed gatherings, knew her way around a toolbox and loved to fix things. Sister is remembered for her dedication, quick wit, contemplative spirit and love of ketchup. She was 92 and in her 69th year of religious life.

Sister Damian was preceded in death by her parents, Stephen and Veronica (Filo) Baloga, and her eight siblings: Cyril, Joseph, John, Stephen, Father Damian, Thomas, Cecelia and Anna. She is survived by her religious community, her niece Rita McCall, and her great nieces and nephews.

Sister is buried at St. Francis Cemetery at Monocacy Manor in Bethlehem, Pa.