Gudrun Grundig Balcik

Mrs. Gudrun (g.g.) Balcik of Inglewood passed away on October 3, 2013. She was born in Hann Munden West Germany on August 5, 1936. Her parents were the late Ernst Richard Grundig and Anna Marie Luise Grundig , nee Jeep. She is survived by her brother Willi who still lives in Hann Munden, and her devoted husband, Frank. Nicknamed Gigi by her American friends who could not pronounce her name correctly, she always preferred her Christian name Gudrun. She left home to study and learn photography in London, where she became a photographer's assistant. She was hired without training but had a natural eye and continued her passion for photographer throughout her life. She returned to Germany and worked in Wiesbaden at the Air Force Hospital where she met her husband of 50 years, Francis Balcik. They eloped to Switzerland, where they were married in a small chapel on May 7, 1963. The family was transferred to Lackland Air Force Base. The family expanded to five and then moved to Libya. She made a home for her family in an 8 foot wide French trailer, on an air Force Base in Tripoli. From there, they moved to Lakenheath, England. She continued her interests in music, art and photography while raising a family. The family moved to Camp Lejune North Carolina, and from there they retired from the Air Force and began civilian life in Hendersonville, Tennessee. She was self-taught in piano, guitar and painting, enjoyed gardening and cooking. She pursued her interests and helped move the family to her favorite and final home in Inglewood Tennessee. She was active in the Brush Hill Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Balcik was famous for her Christmas fudge, which if you have been privileged to receive, was an annual tradition. She is survived by her husband, Francis Eugene Balcik and her three daughters, Nina Hammontree of Franklin, Tennessee, Stefanie Balcik of Pioneertown, California and Valerie Lee residing in the United Kingdom. She was called Grandma by her surviving grandchildren, Hayley and Gracie Hammontree. She was called "Oma" by her grandchildren Ben and Mikaela Lee. We were blessed to have her for 77 years and she will be remembered and loved always. A memorial service celebrating her life will be at 10:00 am October 10, 2013 at Brush Hill Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Inglewood.

Gudrun Grundig Balcik

August 5, 1936 - October 3, 2013