Dr. Anna Baliunas, 92, a retired Chicago physician, died Wednesday, June 21, at St. Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, N.J., of Alzheimer’s disease. At a time when female doctors were rare, she was a well-respected figure, said her son, Algis. “She became interested in medicine for humanitarian reasons,” her son said. “She mainly devoted her life to her medical practice.” Dr. Baliunas was born inPittston, Pa. Her family moved to Lithuania when she was a young child, and soon after the move she lost both her parents. After completing her studies at the University of Kaunas, she worked as the director of a Red Cross eye clinic in Lithuania. Dr. Baliunas and her family relocated to the United States in 1947. She worked for the Kankakee State Hospital, then established her own practice as an eye, ear, nose and throat specialist. “She would never charge nuns or priests any fees,” Algis Baliunas said. Dr. Baliunas retired in 1985. Other survivors include her husband of 60 years, Adolph; a daughter, Grace Austin; and a grandson. Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. Sunday in Petkus Lemont Funeral Home, 12401 S. Archer Ave., Lemont, and from 9 to 10 a.m. Monday in Marquette Funeral Home, 2533 W. 71st St., Chicago. Mass will be said at 10:30 a.m. Monday in Nativity B.V.M. Church, 6812 S. Washtenaw Ave., Chicago.
