Kathleen K. Balai

Kathleen K. “Katie” Balai

Age 81, longtime resident of Northville, passed away on March 21, 2021. She was born on November 22, 1939 in Kansas City, Missouri; daughter of Henry and Nancy (nee Faxon) Kennedy.   Katie was united in marriage to John W. Balai on October 15, 1966; they spent 29 years devoted to one another until his death in 1996.

Katie earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Western Michigan University and in her 60’s she went back to school and earned her master’s degree in early education from Eastern Michigan University.  She worked as a Reading and Math Lab Teacher at Silver Springs Elementary School in Northville for over 30 years, retiring in 2001.

Throughout her life, Kate sought peace and lived her life based on faith and spirituality.  She was a devout Catholic and a longtime member of Our Lady of Victory where she sang in the church choir.  Katie was a member of Sharing Hearts, a women’s bible study group at First United Methodist Church of Northville.  She was also a founding member of Northville Action Council.  Katie enjoyed crafting, making beautiful quilts, and was a talented calligrapher.  She liked to plan bridal showers and baby showers and then share in the joy as each detail unfolded throughout the day.  Kate traveled extensively through the United States, including Arizona, Wisconsin, the East Coast, yearly trips to Hilton Head, and Hawaii for her 70 ^th birthday.  Her international travels took her to London, Scotland, and Panama. Many of her adventures were with her friend Pat Stringer, they would often drive to their destinations so they could shop the local TJ Maxx and explore while Kate would navigate using maps.  She was a voracious reader and a competitive game player, especially Rummikub and Euchre.  Most of all Katie loved her family and adored her grandchildren, they were the light of her world.

Katie is survived by her loving children, Brigitte Norris, Toby (Ashlee) Balai, and Patrick Balai; her brother Tom Kennedy; her grandchildren, Josh Norris and Callen Balai; and her great grandson Hendrix Norris; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.  She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and her brother Chris Kennedy.

Memorial Visitation will be held Thursday, March 25, 2021 from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 West Dunlap, Northville.  A Funeral Mass will be held Friday, March 26, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 133 Orchard Drive, Northville. Ms. Balai will be laid to rest next to her husband at Oakland Hill Memorial Gardens in Novi.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate memorial contributions to Northvillle Civic Concern , PO Box 323, Northville, MI 48167.

Due to the State of Michigan limitations, there is a maximum number of people allowed inside the funeral home.  We are asking visitors to wear masks, sanitize their hands upon entry and practice social distancing.  If you are experiencing signs of cold or flu symptoms, please refrain from attending. You may be asked to wait before entering, thank you for your patience and understanding.