Obituary for Barbara Jayne Balaguer
Barbara Jayne Balaguer, age 88, passed peacefully on Thanksgiving Day November 25, 2021 in Torrington, Connecticut.
Barbara is predeceased by her brother Richard Walker, survived by her husband John “Jack” Balaguer and their 3 children, Scott, Jayne and Amy.
Barbara was born on December 29, 1932, in Massachusetts, to parents Alfred and Marion (Cranston) Walker and was raised in Arlington, MA until she left for UMASS Amherst to attend college. It is there she met the love of her life John “Jack” Balaguer, whom she married just after graduation in 1956 and eventually settled in Salem, New Hampshire.
For over 30 years she was an elementary school teacher in the CT and NH public schools and well loved by her students and colleagues. Barbara was also awarded “Teacher of the Year” in New Hampshire.
After she and Jack retired, they moved to Hampton, New Hampshire. To continue Barbara’s love of education, she became a UNH Marine Docent and spent her time sharing her love of the ocean with children at the Seacoast Science Center. One special memory her grandchildren have is of her teaching them all to explore her beloved NH coastal tidepools.
In 2005 Barbara and Jack moved to Litchfield, CT to be close to their growing family and provide love and support to their grandchildren. The remaining years of her life were dedicated to her children, grandchildren and living a faithful life with her loving husband.
Barbara’s true legacy was her abundant love and caring that she bestowed upon everyone who touched her life. Through her faith and devotion her life was lived with a grateful heart. Her family will forever celebrate that life of thankfulness on Thanksgiving Day. While in her later life as she lost her voice, it was never so evident that her love was plentiful and there for all.
Barbara is survived by her husband Jack and 3 children:
• Scott Balaguer of Austin, TX, his wife Sue Ann Balaguer and four children, Rachel (w/ Ben Lindbloom and 2 daughters), David Balaguer (w/Jamie), Zach Balaguer & Trent Morrow.
• Jayne Balaguer of Litchfield, CT, her husband Brian Malarkey and four children, Conor & Jenna Malarkey, Tejiah & Izaiah Balaguer.
• Amy Cassone of Warren, CT, her husband Martin Cassone and child Evan.
A memorial service will be scheduled in the summer of 2022 to celebrate Barbara’s life and her love of family.
The family would like to thank the Thurston Rowe Funeral Home for their care and concern at this difficult time.
The family has requested that remembrances be made in the form of gifts to Seacoast Science Center's Coastal Education Fund. You can make your gift at Seacoast Science Center's website below or by check mailed to:
Seacoast Science Center, 570 Ocean Blvd, Rye, NH 03780.
Seacoast Science Center's secure donation form: https://seacoast.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/seacoast/donation.jsp?campaign=101&
When making your gift, please indicate that you are making the gift in Barbara’s memory, so that the family may be notified.
And now, Barbara cheers us on from the cloud of witnesses…
Barbara is predeceased by her brother Richard Walker, survived by her husband John “Jack” Balaguer and their 3 children, Scott, Jayne and Amy.
Barbara was born on December 29, 1932, in Massachusetts, to parents Alfred and Marion (Cranston) Walker and was raised in Arlington, MA until she left for UMASS Amherst to attend college. It is there she met the love of her life John “Jack” Balaguer, whom she married just after graduation in 1956 and eventually settled in Salem, New Hampshire.
For over 30 years she was an elementary school teacher in the CT and NH public schools and well loved by her students and colleagues. Barbara was also awarded “Teacher of the Year” in New Hampshire.
After she and Jack retired, they moved to Hampton, New Hampshire. To continue Barbara’s love of education, she became a UNH Marine Docent and spent her time sharing her love of the ocean with children at the Seacoast Science Center. One special memory her grandchildren have is of her teaching them all to explore her beloved NH coastal tidepools.
In 2005 Barbara and Jack moved to Litchfield, CT to be close to their growing family and provide love and support to their grandchildren. The remaining years of her life were dedicated to her children, grandchildren and living a faithful life with her loving husband.
Barbara’s true legacy was her abundant love and caring that she bestowed upon everyone who touched her life. Through her faith and devotion her life was lived with a grateful heart. Her family will forever celebrate that life of thankfulness on Thanksgiving Day. While in her later life as she lost her voice, it was never so evident that her love was plentiful and there for all.
Barbara is survived by her husband Jack and 3 children:
• Scott Balaguer of Austin, TX, his wife Sue Ann Balaguer and four children, Rachel (w/ Ben Lindbloom and 2 daughters), David Balaguer (w/Jamie), Zach Balaguer & Trent Morrow.
• Jayne Balaguer of Litchfield, CT, her husband Brian Malarkey and four children, Conor & Jenna Malarkey, Tejiah & Izaiah Balaguer.
• Amy Cassone of Warren, CT, her husband Martin Cassone and child Evan.
A memorial service will be scheduled in the summer of 2022 to celebrate Barbara’s life and her love of family.
The family would like to thank the Thurston Rowe Funeral Home for their care and concern at this difficult time.
The family has requested that remembrances be made in the form of gifts to Seacoast Science Center's Coastal Education Fund. You can make your gift at Seacoast Science Center's website below or by check mailed to:
Seacoast Science Center, 570 Ocean Blvd, Rye, NH 03780.
Seacoast Science Center's secure donation form: https://seacoast.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/seacoast/donation.jsp?campaign=101&
When making your gift, please indicate that you are making the gift in Barbara’s memory, so that the family may be notified.
And now, Barbara cheers us on from the cloud of witnesses…