Jean (Sutherland) Balcom, 89, died peacefully at her home with her children by her side on October 10, 2010. She was the loving wife of the late Howard Balcom with whom she shared 65 years of marriage.
Born in Natick on September 14, 1921, she was the sixth daughter of Eugene M. and Catherine C. (Strong) Sutherland. She was a lifetime resident of Natick, a graduate of Natick High School, Class of 1939, and Simmons College, Class of 1943. She attended her 70th High School reunion celebration in 2009. Jean was an administrative assistant in the academic and college counselor's offices at Dana Hall School in Wellesley for 15 years, and worked in various offices at Wellesley College for 5 years.
A lifelong and active member of Fisk Memorial United Methodist Church, she and her children are the last church members who are direct descendants of the Fisk family for whom the church was named. There she served on the Administrative Board, the Worship and Education Commissions, and was a member of United Methodist Women. She was also a member of Simmons College Alumnae Association, Natick Senior Center, and Fairs 'n Squares Dance Club.
Jean will be remembered as a kind and caring neighbor and friend, and for her devotion to her family. She especially enjoyed playing cards and Scrabble with her family and friends, and for using "house rules" in these games. She also enjoyed traveling and made many trips to visit her daughter in Pennsylvania and friends in other areas of the United States. During their retirement, she and Howard toured all 50 states and some 20 countries.
Survivors are her son, Richard of Waltham, a daughter, Paula and her husband Thomas Ballaron of Camp Hill, Pennsylvania; a granddaughter, Julia Ballaron also of Camp Hill; a sister, Marjorie Stulce formerly of Wellesley; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband who died in September 2008, she was predeceased by her sisters Muriel Sutherland, Irma Hannon, Lois Miller, Ruth Sutherland, and Elizabeth (Betty) Townsend.
Visiting hours will be held in the John Everett & Sons Funeral Home, 4 Park St. (at Natick Common) NATICK on Friday, October 22, 2010 from 3-7 PM. A memorial service will be held at Fisk Memorial United Methodist Church, 106 Walnut St. Natick, MA 01760 on Saturday, October 23, 2010 at 2:00 PM.
Instead of flowers, her family suggests donations in her memory may be made to the memorial fund at her church, Buddy Dog Humane Society, 151 Boston Post Rd. Sudbury, MA 01776, or a charity of your choice. To leave an online message of condolence for Jean's family please visit www.everettfuneral.com