QUEEN CREEK, AZ Anne E. (Swedis) Balcius, 103, of Arizona, formerly of Worcester. MA., passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 10, 2023 in her home surrounded by family.
Anne is survived by her son, Peter Balcius of Sun City West, AZ, grandchildren, Lynn Lucente and her husband Cliff of Queen Creek; Mark Balcius and his wife Alana of Gilbert, AZ, two great-grandchildren, Drew and Emily Balcius, a very special nephew Richard Balcius and his wife Karen of Worcester, close friend Dottie Manning and multiple generations of additional family members.
She is predeceased by her husband, Frank Balcius, by her daughter and son-in-law Barbara and Kenneth Chicky, a grandson, Ronald Chicky, two brothers, Peter and Frank Swedis and two sisters, Mary Remeika and Eva Kosakowski.
Born in Worcester in 1920, Anne was the daughter of the late John and Mary (Ashmanskas) Swedis. She lived her entire life in Worcester before moving to Arizona in 2016.
Mrs. Balcius was a waitress for more than 15 years for the Ivy Kitchen in Worcester and retired in 1982. She was a huge fan of the Red Sox and the Patriots and rarely missed a game. Anne loved spending time with her adopted dogs Nickel and Rosie and adored visits from friends and family, old and new.
Known widely as just “Gram”, Anne was often regarded as the kindest person anyone had ever met. The range of Anne’s big heart extended from her long and continued support of her favorite charities to offering super-tight and warm hugs to all comers. She always had a full candy dish, an open ear and a big smile on offer and the only thing she ever asked for in return was simply “a kind word”.
Gram will be sorely missed; She always had an interesting story about life long ago and an appreciation for the modern world. Everyone lucky enough to have met her has at least one heart-warming story to tell about her. She was truly an amazing woman.
Visiting hours will be on December 23rd from 9 – 11am at Dirsa Morin Funeral Home, 298 Grafton Street Worcester. Entombment will follow in Notre Dame Cemetery Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice.