Rosemarie “Rosie” Balk died peacefully at her home in Riverside on Sept. 19, 2026. She was an inspiration: overcoming every challenge head on with Sheridan-style determination, wisdom and passion. She was born in Chicago and remained in the same area her entire life. She excelled in academics and earned a bachelor’s degree and two master’s degrees from the University of Illinois. Her intellectual curiosity led her to the world of health care, where she built a successful career as an inquisitive market researcher by distilling complex problems into actionable data.
Her intellect was surpassed only by her boundless heart. She cherished and was devoted to her only son, Aidan. She was a supportive daughter to her mother, Philomena, and touched the lives of many with her warmth, creativity, curiosity, and gregarious, outgoing nature, and sharp wit. Most of all, she will be remembered for her boundless dedication and support to those she loved and grace for those who failed her.
Rosie is survived by her mother, Philomena; her sister, Joanne; her brother, Allen; her sister-in-law, Lori; her niece, Dana; her son, Aidan; Aidan’s father, Keith; and many supportive cousins and friends.
Visitation and Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, Oct. 3, starting at 9:30 a.m. till time of Mass at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary Church, 105 Herrick Road, Riverside. A reception will follow at La Barra, 2 E. Burlington Road, Riverside, Illin