Sep.
6, 1951 - May 26, 2010SOUTH BEND - Carolyn M. Mahnesmith Balog, O.D., residing in South Bend, passed away Wednesday afternoon, May 26, 2010 in her home. She was born September 6, 1951 in South Bend, a daughter of Carmen D. & Violet Marian (Noe) Mahnesmith, and has remained a lifelong resident of this community. She graduated from Washington High School, South Bend, class of 1970, received her Bachelor's of Science in Education at Indiana University of South Bend, 1973, and her Doctor of Optometry from Indiana University, Bloomington, 1981. On June 6, 1970 at Stewart Memorial Baptist Church, South Bend, Carolyn was united in marriage to Daniel C. Balog, who is currently Director of Bands at Riley High School. She has served as an optometrist at the Balog Bremen Vision Center since 1981. She was a caring, compassionate, and loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and friend. She also cared greatly for her many patients over the past twenty-nine years. Along with her loving husband, Dan, she is survived by two daughters, Dr. Staci-Marie (David) Norman, and Dr. Natali Marian (Mark Wenkus) Balog, of South Bend, and three grandchildren, Riley David Norman, Calla-Marie Norman, and Amelia Marian Wenkus. Also surviving is her sister, Marilyn Mahnesmith (Dr. Thomas) Johnson of Auburn, IN, and a brother, Dr. Randolph C. (Kathy Woodruff) Mahnesmith of Fisherville, VA. Carolyn was preceded in death by her mother, Violet Mahnesmith on Dec. 15, 2008, and her father, Carmen Mahnesmith on July 4, 2009. Dr. Balog was a member of First Presbyterian Church of South Bend, American Association of University Women, Indiana Optometric Association, American Optometric Association, North Central Optometric Society, National Organization of Women, Marshall County Leadership Association, and Marshall County Red Cross. Music also played an important role in Carolyn's life. She played the flute in high school, and was involved in the All State Band. She was a member of the IUSB Wind Ensemble during college, and did a tour with the University of Notre Dame Band in 1970. She was member and flutist with the South Bend Symphony Orchestra, Michiana Community Band, and was instrumental in organizing the Bremen Community Band. Services celebrating the life of Dr. Carolyn Balog will be at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, May 30, at the Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 South Michigan Street, South Bend. Rev. Don Neely will officiate. Graveside services and burial will follow at Sweet Cemetery, Albion, IN, at 3:00 p.m. Sunday. She will be laid to rest beside her parents. The family will receive friends from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Saturday, and one hour prior to services Sunday at the Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel. Expressions of sympathy on behalf of Dr. Balog may be offered to the Chibanzi Nursery School, c/o First Presbyterian Church, 333 West Colfax Street, South Bend, IN 46601, or to The Center for Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637.