Obituary of Barbara Balmforth

Barbara Balmforth of Belfast died peacefully Monday, November 8, 2010 under the watchful and loving care of the staff of the Penobscot Nursing Home. Barbara was born March 3, 1924 in Providence, Rhode Island. On August 14, 1948 she married Harry Balmforth in Cranston, RI and in 1998 they celebrated fifty years together with a cruise to The Inside Passage of Alaska, hosted by their son David. No adventure daunted Barbara who also traveled with her family to the Panama Canal, South America, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii and across the Lower Forty-eight, riding over 200 different Roller Coasters along the way. In Queensland, Australia she tried Bungee Jumping where that sport originated, also Hang Gliding in Brazil and climbing the Harbor Bridge in Sydney, Australia. She was an avid reader, eager for any opportunity to go out to eat, and deeply appreciative of her friends and her caregivers. Barbara and Harry were fortunate in recent years to be together at the Penobscot Nursing Home where they spent many afternoons together watching TV in the company of Harry’s cat. She welcomed all visitors and sent them away cheered by her smiles and appreciative reception. Barbara exemplified a sunny disposition and strong faith; she was a long-time beloved member of the First Baptist Church of Belfast whose members often visited and even occasionally made the trip to Penobscot to bring Barbara back for worship on a Sunday morning. Barbara was predeceased by both her sons Harry Jr. and David, her sister Evelyn and brothers Al and Ralph. She is survived by her husband Harry of Penobscot and her daughter-in-law Wanda Balmforth of Austin, Texas. Her family wishes to express special thanks to Margie Spencer-Smith of Waldo County Health and Hospice, the gang at the Waldo County Dialysis Unit, the many Hospice Volunteers, and the loving staff of Penobscot Nursing Home. Arrangements under the care of Crabiel-Riposta Funeral Home, 182 Waldo Avenue, Belfast. On-line condolences may be offered at www.ripostafh.com.