Gloria (Najjar) Balich

Gloria (Najjar) Balich, of Arlington, formerly of Dorchester, passed away on November 23, 2021. She was 96 years old.

Born and raised in Dorchester, Gloria started working at a very young age in her parents’  grocery store, eventually owning her own convenience store together with her uncle. Ultimately, that store became a family business owned by both Gloria and her beloved husband, Antoun. As an adult, she worked as an interpreter for INS, as well as a secretary at John Hancock.  Gloria was also co-owner and operator of Balich 5 & 10 on Mass. Ave. in Arlington, with Antoun, for many years. When not working, Gloria was busy raising her 5 children. They enjoyed many day trips to the beach, as she loved the ocean, and she also loved to travel, taking many wonderful trips to all kinds of places around the world with her husband. She was very proud of her Syrian culture and Orthodox religion and was the great-niece of St. Raphael Hawaweeny of Brooklyn.

Gloria was the dear and devoted wife of Antoun Balich. Loving mother of Joseph Balich and his wife De-Paula of Bedford, Louise Jackson and her husband Donald of Hanson, Lydia Earle and her husband Bartholomew of Lexington, Joyce Balich of Lexington, and Paul Balich and his wife Donna of Chelmsford. Cherished grandmother (TeTe) of Bradford, Blake, Trip, Caroline, Elizabeth, Bennett, Alexandra, Drew, Reed, Melissa and Meghan. Great grandmother of Liam, Nora, Grace, Ella and Stella. Dear sister of Samuel Najjar of Plymouth and the late Elaine Tabeek, and Arthur and William Najjar. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Due to Covid, although the funeral will be private, relatives and friends are invited to gather at the gate of Fairview Cemetery in Hyde Park at 11:15 on Wednesday morning for the procession to her final resting place for graveside prayers.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Gloria’s memory may be made to the Church of St. John of Damascus, 300 West St. Dedham, MA 02026. 

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