JULIA BALACEK Longtime Laguna Beach resident Julia...

JULIA BALACEK

Longtime Laguna Beach resident Julia Balacek died at her home the

night of Feb. 23. She was 98.

Born Sept. 21, 1906 in Ansonia, Conn., she was the middle child in

a family of nine children.

During the Great Depression, she moved to New York to find work,

and there she met and married Victor Balacek, a New York City

firefighter.

Mrs. Balacek worked as a telephone operator and supervisor for

Bell Telephone/AT&T;, and, after retiring, worked for several more

years as chief operator for Adelphi University in Long Island, New

York.

She was widowed in 1962, and moved to Laguna Beach in 1974.

Balacek was a founding member of the Laguna Beach Seniors, and

served two three-year terms as the group’s treasurer.

Known for her intelligence, humor and independence, she was an

avid bridge player, as well as a hiker, traveler, golfer and lawn

bowler.

Mrs. Balacek lived independently until the age of 95, and drove

her own car until the age of 94.

She was also known for having many friends of all ages and

backgrounds.

Mrs. Balacek is survived by her son, Bob Balacek of Laguna Beach;

daughter Karen Balacek of San Francisco; sister, Estelle; and

numerous nieces and nephews. She also leaves her cat, Juanita.