SLOCUM, Balbina /Barbara

Arizona Daily Star, Tucson, Arizona November 26, 2013 Balbina Konka Slocum Born March 31, 1922 in Bennington, N.Y., went to her Lord November 24, 2013 in Tucson, AZ. Balbina, Barbara, Ma, Grandma, Bachia or Sarge as she was known was the last sibling of a very large family which immigrated from Poland to Canada to New York. Ma lived and worked in Buffalo, NY, Atlanta, GA, Ft. Walton Beach, and Holiday, FL. Known for her Polish cooking, pancakes, great Christmas cookies and fruit cake with a punch. Sarge was very proud of her WWII service with the Women Army Auxiliary Corp and the Women Army Corp. Barbara retired from Western Electric in 1976 with 26 years' service and was a life member of the Pioneer Club. Sarge was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary and had many volunteer hours as a patient transporter at the V.A. Hospital in Tucson. Ma was preceded in death by her parents, Sophia (Gierada) and Joseph Konka; husband, Bob Slocum, the love of her life who she met and married at Camp Pickett, VA in September 1945. She was the Sarge he was the PFC. Ma is survived by her son, Bob; daughter-in-law, Jeri of Tucson. Grandma/Bachia is survived by her grandson, David; granddaughter, Traci and her husband, Ray and great-granddaughter, Sydney of Tucson, AZ. We want to thank the caring staff of Casa de Buena Vida, Agape Hospice and Caremore for her care prior to her illness and during her battle with cancer. Also the V.A. for their assistance. There will not be a local service, Military Honors and Graveside Service will be held in Prescott, AZ, Tuesday, December 10, 2013 at 12:00 p.m. Donations to Ma's favorite charity: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101-9929 may be made in lieu of flowers.