Maria Paz Piansay Balat

Maria Paz Piansay Balat, 63, of Bolingbrook, Illinois, entered into eternal life on August 2nd 2026, at UChicago Medicine Center for Care and Discovery ICU. She passed with the comforting presence of her husband, children, grandchildren, and sisters right by her side.

Maria Paz Piansay Balat entered this life on October 24th, 1962. She was born in Bacolod City, Philippines, to Roberto Montinola Piansay Sr. and Thelma de la Cruz Piansay. She was raised lovingly alongside her beloved sisters, Maria Teresa, Eva, Maria Imelda, Cosette, Cecilia, and Roberto Jr. Her father worked in the Bureau of Forestry and her mother was a teacher. The house was constantly filled with the sounds and movements of life that came with such a large family. Life was humble, but Paz would often find and bring joy wherever she was. By the time she graduated from Negros Occidental High School, she had a reputation for being incredibly outgoing and quite popular among her peers. She loved nothing more than to sing and dance with her sisters and friends. In 1985, she was blessed with her first child, Nonalyn. She graduated from the University of Negros Occidental Recoletos with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce, and not long after, she moved with her sisters to Germany in 1986.

In the summer of 1989, a broken train in Frankfurt, Germany would lead to the serendipitous meeting of Paz and her husband of over 30 years, Noel Arceo Balat. It was love at first sight as Noel was compelled to introduce himself and demand the attention of such a beautiful, magnetic woman. Their budding romance would be full of mischief, joy, and excitement. Noel recalls how often Paz would go to the Army base entrance demanding that she see her boyfriend. This served as an early example to Noel of the sheer force of will that Paz was. Not long after this, they would expect their first child. Noelalbert Piansay Balat was born to the young couple in August of 1990.

In 1991, the young family would move to the quiet Chicago suburb of Bolingbrook, Illinois. Life was not easy as Paz worked and raised their young son while Noel worked full-time while also attending Nursing School. Despite the new challenges, they persevered. Throughout the years, Paz worked as a caregiver, which befitted her kind and caring character. Not long after, Paz would be blessed with three more sons: Anthony, Noel Jr, and Andrew. Her hands were certainly full, but her heart had more than enough room. Her family blossomed and grew under her diligent care. The years had not diminished her large personality and natural charisma. Along the way, she made a countless number of friends to share her joy with. She attended St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Bolingbrook for decades and was a faithful servant of the Lord, never missing Sunday service.

Paz is survived by…

Her husband, Noel Arceo Balat.

Her five children: Nonalyn, Noelalbert Piansay Balat (Maria), Anthony Piansay Balat (Chabely), Noel Balat Jr (Abilene), and Andrew Balat.

Her five grandchildren: Noelangel Balat, Andrea Balat, Naamen Christopher Balat, ArianaCatalina Marie Balat, and AmeliaRose Marie Balat.

Her sisters: Maria Teresa Medina (Mario), Eva Naley (Steve), Maria Imelda Snyder (James), Cecilia Go (Peter), and Roberto. And a whole host of other dearly loved relatives and friends.

Paz was preceded in death by her parents, Thelma de la Cruz in 1981 and Roberto Montinola Piansay Sr in 2011, sister, Cosette Antenor Cruz (Ray) in 2022; and her niece, Mathelle Antenor Cruz in 2018.

Paz leaves behind a strong legacy with her family and friends. No amount of words could fully capture her essence, but the most accurate would be persistence, faith, and joy.

Her persistence manifested in her sheer force of will. If Paz wanted it to happen, it would. Her family could easily attest to this.

Her faith in the Lord never wavered and guided her through her entire life. Paz trusted that God would care for her and her family in this life and the next.

Her joy would fill even the darkest of rooms. Paz could always be seen with a smile on her face and a song in her heart. Her warmth and light were unrivaled and undeniable.

Her family and friends will forever remember Paz. During her lifetime she gracefully filled the role of a sister, wife, and mother. Her song will be in our hearts, and we will sing for her for generations to come.

“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.” - Proverbs 31:25-28

Funeral from the Blackburn-Giegerich-Sonntag Funeral Home Monday August 10, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. to St. Dominic Catholic Church, 440 E. Briarcliff Rd, Bolingbrook, IL for Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Visitation Sunday 3-8 p.m. at the funeral home. To view the visitation click on the link https://together.oneroomstreaming.com/P8VRG6