Barbara Ann Balch
August 23, 1927 – January 21, 2021
Barbara Ann Balch was the ultimate wife and mother, during a time when homemaking was a coveted career choice for many women. Proud of the path she chose, Barbara lived her life with generosity, and a dedication to excellence.
Barbara had a special gift for creating a world of beauty around her. She was always in fashion, often wearing clothes she designed and made for herself. Her homes and gardens looked right out of the pages from a glossy magazine spread. Barbara loved to entertain, and was happiest when sharing her effortless hostessing style with others. She also had a strong love for nature, and was famous for her care of stray kittens found by her neighbors.
Born in Philadelphia, PA to Anna and Allen Evans on August 23, 1927, she was a child of the Great Depression. This taught her to be strong, thrifty and resourceful. She successfully applied these lessons throughout her life. Barbara married William “Bill” Balch in 1948, and they shared 68 wonderful years together until Bill’s death in 2016. Bill knew he was a lucky man, coming home from work to a cold drink and a warm, welcoming dinner with the love of his life. Her cherished daughters Michelle and Beverly fondly remember her homemade Halloween costumes, fanciful birthday parties, incredible baked goods, and hand-knitted sweaters for stuffed animals and Barbie dolls.
Once her children left the nest, she filled some of her time with “outside the home” jobs that utilized her many home decorating skills. These included helping customers make the right choices in draperies at “Strawbridge and Clothier”, lighting at “House of Lamps”, and furniture at” This End Up”.
Barbara loved her ladies groups, especially when these involved needlepoint and gardening. She was active in Angle Tree Garden Club in North Attleboro, MA for nearly 20 years, including serving as President.
Despite having fulfilling interests of her own, caring for her husband Bill was always the main focus of Barbara’s life. Together they made many moves related to Bill’s career, living in Philadelphia, Cleveland and Massachusetts. With each move, they found a new circle of close friends. Barbara was a sought-after friend, and her many friendships were life-long.
She left this world on January 21, 2021, in Midlothian, VA, where she had recently moved to be closer to her daughters, sons-in-law, granddaughters and great-grandson. She was joyfully greeted on the other side by her loving husband and a host of friends who departed before her.
Michelle, Beverly, their families and many dear friends will always cherish her memory, and give thanks to her for making the world a more beautiful place.
A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held when social gatherings are no longer a health risk. If you wish, please consider a donation to your favorite charity in her honor.
The Bates family and the Balch family have been the best of friends since before 1949. Barbara was one of my mother’s bridesmaids so of course the children of both families shared many wonderful memories for years. We all lived very close together and that gave us an opportunity to have picnics and spend lots of time with each other. Barbara was a beautiful woman inside and out and loved Bill, Michelle and Beverly with every fiber of her being. She was always “Aunt Barbara” to me and when I look at Michelle and Beverly today with their families now, you can see the best of Barbara in both of them. Rest In Peace Aunt Barbara”. You are loved and will always be in my memories.
Such a beautiful caring lady. She was a resident where I previously worked, with the most beautiful apt. I loved taking care of her and her husband Bill. She was free with wonderful advice, and all the girls loved talking to her. Many people come and go in your life, Barbara was one that you never forget. God rest her wonderful soul.
My condolences to Michelle and her family. I am so sad to hear about Barbara’s passing and was looking forward to getting to know her! She had a beautiful spirit about her. God bless her, God bless you all💕
Michelle, Beverly and entire family,
I’m sorry to see this. Not because it wasn’t expected but because I imagine you must miss her a great deal. Given the date of her passing I’m sure there was a toast when she arrived with that special red headed friend. I will think of them both on this day moving forward. May her memory be a blessing❤️.
Miss you ladies.
I am so saddened by Barbara’s passing. I just spoke to her at the holidays. I will make every attempt to attend her celebration of passing. I am so sorry for your loss.
I love Barbara most for the daughters she gave the world. To you both, I am sorry for your loss but appreciate that you two are now near by and won’t drop a stitch of love for every day you had as a family and will continue to have. Much Love. Berta
Barbara was truly an amazing woman. I will never forget her. She was a resident where I work. I enjoyed going in and talking with her daily. She was so proud of both of her daughters and she loved them dearly. I know one day I will see her again. Rest in peace B.B. Love you and miss you always. ❤ Beverly and Michelle, I’m so sorry for your loss. Just know that your mom will always be in your hearts and watching over you everyday.
It never does quite go away, that longing to talk to her. My Mom, gone almost 4o years now, and I still find myself reaching for the phone sometimes to call her. But your Mom, she IS there whenever you remember something special, or think about her, or dream about her……I believe that is when they are there, visiting us, touching our hearts! Always hugging us……
I q
I was just asking about Barbara. I so enjoyed the many evenings spent with them at The Shermans’ house. I have her famous cookie recipe and am hopeful she and Nancy will meet again, as she proved to be one of her dearest friends. Our thoughts with you.