Donate in Memory of Margaret Lindley Balian

Obituary: Margaret Lindley Balian

Published in The Boston Globe on Sept. 28, 2017

BALIAN, Margaret Lindley With great sadness, the family of Margaret Lindley Balian announces her passing on September 24. She was surrounded by family. Our mother was a constant learner, whether it be through her travels or in courses or lectures. She loved cats, wine, football, CNN, Words with Friends, travel, books, opera, and being with friends and family. We remember her as the first Mom with a computer, an iPhone, and her JD.

She was born in San Francisco and raised in Berkeley and then later, Altadena, California. She met John Balian, a fellow Trojan at the University of Southern California. They were married in 1956 and raised their family in Pasadena. She moved to Dedham, Massachusetts in 2003 and North Hill, in Needham in 2012. She is survived by her children John Balian of Calabasas, CA, Cory Fanelli of Needham, and Tracy Zendzian and her husband Dave of Needham, and by her seven grandchildren, Katie, Lauren, and Alison Balian, Charlie and Colin Fanelli, and Jack and Lucy Zendzian. She is also survived by nieces Linda Fleischer and Gwen Hadvina, and nephew Richard Balian, all of Burleson, TX, and by her cat, Fred. She was predeceased by her husband, John. Our family is amazed at how comfortably she made the transition from a lifelong Californian to a New Englander, and by her ability to easily make and keep dear friends on both coasts. She was brilliant, caring, and lived a full life to which we all aspire.

A Memorial Service will be held in the Auditorium at North Hill, 865 Central Ave, Needham, on Saturday, September 30th at 10:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Compassionate Care ALS, in her honor. For obit, directions or to share a memory of Margaret, please visit www.eatonfuneralhomes.com Eaton Funeral Home 781-444-0201