Marguerite Balok ... avid bridge enthusiast; at 92

ROCHESTER - On March 24, 2022, Marguerite (Marg) Perrine Balok, 92, died peacefully in the arms of her loving husband, Michael Balok, of 72 yrs, after a long period of failing health. Her daughter Rebecca Marie Balok-Searles was with them giving them loving comfort as her mother transitioned to a new life with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Marg was born to Alice Porterfield Perrine in Brantford, Ontario, on June 28, 1929, while her father Jesse Paul Perrine worked as an actor, Richard "Dick" Foote, who worked with a traveling theatrical group. All Marg's siblings have passed on, brother Jesse Richard Perrine, and 2 loving sisters Berenice Birdsall Tavella and Amy Louise Lewis. The Perrine family grew up in Connellsville, Pa. After graduating from high school Marg joined her sister Berenice, to work in the Washington, DC offices of a mortgage company. Marg and Michael met, while a extended courtship ensued, until being married June 11, 1949. Her brother Jesse as best man and sister Amy as bridesmaid was the perfect ceremony for a long eventful marriage.

The marriage began in Omaha, Nebraska with Michael being a Sargent in the U.S.A.F and Marg working in a administrative business office. Marg always encouraged Mike to pursue his military career which allowed them to travel the world. Both traveled during Mikes promotions to Lt. Colonel, within the USAF, enabling opportunities all over the US, Far East, France, and Germany. Upon returning from Germany, Marg and Mike adopted 2 children, Charles Michael Balok (deceased) and Rebecca Marie. During this time a decision was made to settle and allow the family to grow roots, finding connection in New Hampshire. Marg was excited to live a stable family life, pursuing her interest within the community and raising the children together.

Marg found herself very involved in various charities, and activities to include the children and other community members. She became a Sunday School teacher at First Parish Church in Dover, served on the Head Start school advisory, and the Dover Children's Home board of directors. The whole family was deeply engaged with swimming on local swim teams, Dover Blue Fins and Seacoast Stingrays, supporting swimmers, parents, and others during local and traveling swim competitions. She was the #1 cheerleader. Marg's love for oil painting and various crafting were always of great interest, starting her oil painting lessons while living in Germany to follow with water coloring interests as well.

The Perrine family grew over the years, creating opportunity for reunions which took place for over 20 years in Surfside, Myrtle Beach, SC. Each year the family would hold family reunions sharing the beach, meals, love and overabundance of playing OH Heck and Skip Bo, these were late nights and great times. Both Marg and Mike enjoyed visiting more family in Michigan and connecting with in-laws, nieces, and nephews, visiting the farm and spending time together. Marg for many years entertained for parties, and hosting competitive bridge gatherings on Cherokee St, in Dover and Rochester. Marg enjoyed watching the Celtics and both were loyal listeners to Johnny Most, commentating the Celtic games on the radio while watching the TV.

Marg is survived by her daughter and son in-law, Rebecca Balok-Searles and husband Bruce Searles of Brookfield. Marg was Gramma B to 3 step grandchildren, whom she loved dearly, Christina (husband Dave) Jarry, of Epping, Adam Searles of Rochester, and Jesse Searles of Dover. Gramma B leaves behind 5 amazing great grandchildren, Connor, Nathan, Olivia, Mercy and Brady of NH and Maine.

Through the years, Marg became a very popular Auntie to a multitude of grand and great grand nieces and nephews, who are scattered wide across the US to include Alaska and Scotland. Over the years' time has separated some of the connections however there remains always great memories.