Michele (Balabon) Bruich

Michele (Balabon) Bruich, born January 14, 1950, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2024, at the age of 74, in her home in Manassas, VA. 

Michele was born in Republic, PA and moved to Arlington, VA in 1967 where she dedicated her career to public service having a prestigious career working for the Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security. In her career, she received numerous awards for stellar performance, traveled with Secretary of Defense to Spain and Portugal on Air Force One and was a survivor of the 9/11 Pentagon attack.

Michele lived a life marked by tenacity, warmth, and an energy that lit up every room she entered.  She was outgoing and made friends wherever she went. Michele especially enjoyed spending time with her family, enjoying a Starbucks drink and scoring a great deal at local yard sales! 

Her unwavering faith was the cornerstone of her life providing her with strength, hope and a sense of purpose.  Michele’s kindness and compassion were reflections of her trust in God, and she brought light and encouragement to all who knew her.

Michele was the beloved wife of the late Thomas Bruich, who preceded her in death September 10, 2009.  She is survived by her loving family including: Daughter, Tracy Katsaris (Pat); Grandchildren, Michele Katsaris (Omar) and Patrick M. Katsaris (Ana); Great Grandchildren, Anastasia Katsaris and Patrick T. Katsaris; Sisters, Adhrena Brown, Diann Zuzak (Genie), and Marilyn Keaton (Mike); and Brothers, Edward ‘Duke’ Balabon and Michael Balabon (Kathy).

A memorial service will be held at Baker-Post Funeral Home, 10001 Nokesville Road, Manassas, Virginia 20110 on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  Michele will then be transported to Pennsylvania to The Kish-Fabry Funeral Home, Inc., 19 Legion Street, Republic PA 15475 with visitation and service to be held on Friday, January, 10, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Burial to follow on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Taylor Cemetery, 600 Old National Pike, Brownsville, PA 15417.