Goldie Almason Baly

With her family at her side, Goldie Almason Baly, 95, passed away Thursday, November 17, 2016 in Life Line Hospital, Wintersville, OH. Goldie grew up on Elm Street during the Era of Prohibition and the Great Depression. She was born October 14, 1921 in Massillon, Ohio, daughter of the late Stefan Almason and Pauline Cristie Dinescu, Romanian immigrants, but was raised by her mother and step-father John Dinescu. The family moved to Weirton in 1922 when Goldie was ten months old. Goldie graduated from Weir High School in 1939 and was a member of the orchestra (violin) and the band (mellophone). In August, 1939, she was crowned "Romanian Miss Weirton" in the Colonial Hall. Goldie married Michael Baly, Jr. on January 9, 1941, in Wellsburg, WV. She was employed as John A. Jones first secretary at the Weir-Cove Chamber of Commerce prior to World War II. During the war, Goldie was employed as a government clerk at the War Ration Board and oversaw tire rationing and new auto rationing for Hancock County. Goldie's community services and activities were many. She served as a volunteer driver in the Red Cross Motor Corp. on the home front during World War II while her husband was in the U. S. Navy. She drove through the city black outs. She was one of the founders and a charter member of the Weirton General Hospital Auxiliary (1952) and was elected President in 1959. Founder of the Tearose Twig and served as President. In 1959, was named "July Citizen of the Month" by the Junior Chamber of Commerce and was presented with a certificate of appreciation for outstanding community service. Goldie was the first person to be honored with a "Tribute of Resolution" by the Weirton Medical Center Board of Trustees during the February 15, 1979 meeting. The presenter was the late Donald Donell. She served as Record of Hours chairman for 20 years (1959-1979). President of Social Club 147 (1954-55). Worthy Matron of Weirton Chapter No. 147, Order of the Eastern Star (1965-66). Member of Weirton Hospital Company (later named Weirton Medical Center Foundation) 1960-2001. Sunday School Teacher and Superintendent of Kindergarten Department (1951-1957). Active in Weir High Band Parents organization. Served two years on the Parents Council of Bethany College (1967-69). Member of Cove Presbyterian Church since 1943. Editor of the Weir High Alumni newsletter "The Voice of the Alumni" (1987-2001). 1939 Class Reunion Chairman since 1989. Member of Williams Country Club (1970-2012). She was an avid bridge player in four bridge clubs. In June 2003, at age 82, she published her book "Goldie's Memoirs" and left a legacy to her family and to her town. It contains local history of the Great Depression, Prohibition Days, Weirton Steel Company resistance for a C.I.O. Union and life on our home-front during World War II. In 2012, Dennis R. Jones, Executive Director of the Weirton Area Museum, Executive Director of the Weirton Area Museum and Cultural Center, chose her to be included in the documentary film "Rediscovering Hollidays Cove". On August 10, 2013, as the oldest Cove School alumna present (age 91) for the dedication ceremony, she had the honor of unveiling the memorial plaque at the Weirton Event Center, former site of Cove School. That day, along with other items of Weirton history, Goldie's book was placed in the time capsule at the site. In May 2014, a highlight in her life, Goldie was inducted into the Weirton Hall of Fame for public service. She was nominated by Deb Kucan Witkowski. On the occasion of Weir High School's 100th anniversary, Goldie was chosen to be one of the Grand Marshalls in the 4th of July parade. Goldie, her husband Michael and daughter Melanie enjoyed ten cruises that included Bermuda, Hawaii, The Caribbean and South America. They also traveled to Acapulco, Canada and points of interest throughout the U. S. For her 80th birthday, Goldie and Melanie went to London, Paris and Normandy. In November 2014, Goldie was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Melanie, a Pittsburgh accountant, retired in order to give her mother loving and devoted care. They were best friends and buddies. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Michael Baly (1998), her brother Steve Almason (1969), sister Florence Sage (2001) and special nephew Michael Sage (1999). Surviving are her beloved devoted son and daughter-in-law Michael Baly III and Elissa; loving grandchildren Marissa and Jared Baly all of Washington, D.C.; the best daughter in the world, Melanie Baly of Pittsburgh, PA and Weirton; nephews and nieces Joanne Valuska (James) Gorney, Judy Cross (late Michael) Sage, Karen (late Stephen) Almason, David (Charlotte) Valuska, Kenneth (Paula) Valuska, Shirley (late John) Valuska and many great nieces and nephews. Goldie was thankful for special good neighbors Terry and Peggy Baker Huyghe and a host of good friends. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 2-5PM at the Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main St., Weirton where funeral services will be celebrated on Monday at 11AM. Reverend Dr. Ed Rudiger and Reverend Terry Stoops will officiate. Entombment will follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Weirton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Deacons Food Pantry of Cove Presbyterian Church or the Weirton Area Museum and Cultural Center. Funeral Home: Greco Hertnick Funeral Home 3219 Main Street Weirton, WV US 26062