Julia R. Balchak; 13; of North Belle Vernon; died Wednesday; Jan. 11; 2012; at 2:45 a.m. at home following a long; courageous battle with cancer. Born March 5; 1998; in Pittsburgh; she was the daughter of Timothy R. and Desiree M. Williamson Balchak; of North Belle Vernon. A lifelong resident of Belle Vernon; she was a member of St. Sebastian Roman Catholic Church. Julia was an eighth grade student at Belmar Middle School; was an honor student and participated in numerous school activities. She was an eight-year member of the Martinettes Twirling Corp.; a member of the St. Sebastian Youth Group; and her passion and hobby included collecting giraffes and; on a recent trip to the Pittsburgh Zoo; she had the opportunity to pet and feed the giraffes in their pens. Julia was loved dearly by all of her family and friends. In addition to her parents; she is survived by a brother; Timothy R. Balchak Jr.; and a sister; Deidra M. Balchak; both at home; paternal grandparents; Robert and Eva Lou Balchak; of Uniontown; maternal grandmother; Judith Williamson; of Belle Vernon; five aunts; Kathy Ryan; of Uniontown; Colleen Antonini; of Fombell; Pa.; Renee Williamson; of Belle Vernon; Jeanie Nipaver; of Shaler; and Sheri Williamson; of Monessen; two uncles; Thomas Balchak; of Sicklerville; N.J.; and Jerome Nipaver; of Shaler; her special best friend; Miranda Filak; special cousin; Robert Williamson; and three cats; Goober; Peanut and Pumpkin. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather; James R. Williamson. Visitation will be held on Friday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the PARZYNSKI FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATIONS; Family Owned and Operated; 626 Broad Ave.; Belle Vernon; (724) 929-6183. Prayer service will be held Saturday at 8:45 a.m. in the funeral home followed by a Funeral Mass at 9:30 a.m. at St. Sebastian Roman Catholic Church with the Rev. Msgr. Roger A. Statnick; pastor; as celebrant. Interment will take place in Belle Vernon Cemetery. Members of St. Sebastian parish will pray the rosary for the departed soul of Julia Friday at 1:45 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions be made in memory of Julia R. Balchak to Children’s Hospital; Oncology Department. As a convenience to the family; condolences are accepted and given to the family from the funeral home’s website; www.parzynskifuneralhome.com.