Rosemary Ress (nee Balen), 95, of Waukegan, IL. passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, December 20, 2022. She was born on March 25, 1927 to John and Rose Balen in North Chicago, IL. She was a founding member of The American-Croatian Waukegan Tamboritza Organization and also a member of The Croatian Fraternal Union, Lodge 75, the NEA, and the Rose Society. Rosemary was devoted to her family, and to the children in her family.  She was an elementary school teacher for 30 plus years, and cared deeply for the students she taught. She is survived by her children; Frank (Janet), John (Jody), and Martha (John) Cornett, her grandchildren; Amber (Brian) Hirsch, Steven Cornett, Annie Cornett (Tony Starks), and great grandchildren; Masen Hirsch and Ava Starks. She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank, her parents; John and Rose, brothers; Steve, Nick, Mike, John and Matt, and sisters; Martha Plier, Mary Slezak, and Jane Wright. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, January 7, 2023 at 10:00am at St. Dismas Church, 2600 Sunset Ave, Waukegan, IL. Visitation will be on Friday, January 6, 2023 from 3:00 until 7:00 pm at Bradley Funeral Home in North Chicago, IL. Inurnment will be at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to the Freedom Farm for Vets, 13155 W Hart St. Wadsworth, Il 60083.