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Mary Elizabeth (Brown) Balch 1951-2021

BALCH, BROWN, THOMSON

Posted By: Barry R Huntsinger (email)
Date: 5/26/2021 at 14:17:19

Mary Elizabeth (Brown) Balch was born at Craigard House in Campbeltown, Scotland on January 13th, 1951. Mary was the eldest child of Thomas Gerald Brown and Mary Murray (Thomson) Brown. Mary departed this life at home suddenly May 14th, 2021. Mary remained proud of her Scottish roots and family always. However, she was equally proud of being an American Citizen.

The young Balch Family moved to Estherville in 1979. Here Mary began her life’s work in healthcare. Mary was one of the most competent, dedicated EMT’s the Estherville Ambulance Service ever had. Mary furthered her emergency medical education proudly becoming one of the first paramedics in the state of Iowa. Eventually, she expanded her education even more and became a Respiratory Therapist. In her role as an RT she mentored many healthcare workers and touched thousands of lives through her work. Her legacy lives on through the many healthcare providers that she educated. Mary retired from Avera Holy Family Hospital 2006 at the age of 55.

Mary and her husband, Jerry enjoyed forty-seven years together raising their blended family of five children and enjoying life. Colorful adventures too numerous to list were had throughout their rich and interesting life together; never a dull moment to be had.

Since her retirement Mary filled her time with her various, always changing hobbies/interests and with her family and friends. Everyone who knew Mary was aware of her love and adoration of her dogs. Mary had a particularly soft spot for the majestic female Newfie. She would be found every morning walking her dog Kelpie. She also enjoyed gaming, RVing, traveling, plotting and planning schemes with her sisters, and flower gardening. Mary was extremely proud of her children, grandchildren, and all of their accomplishments.
Mary was quietly generous, reliable, full of quirks and surprises. You always got an honest or eccentric answer from Mary; whether you wanted it or not. Without question Mary Queen of Everything’s reign will long be remembered; the great ones are never forgotten.

Mary is survived by her husband of 47 years, Gerald “Jerry” Balch; her children, Keith (Rosa) Albers, Kim (Nate) Olson, Krista (Robbie) Schueneman, Arlene (Matt) Anderson and Amber (Tony) Houge; her grandchildren, Kyle and Kaylee Albers, Sam, Max and Claire Olson, Tabitha (Tate) Kizzier and Summer Schueneman, Anderson and Ellie Walker and Michael and Cathryn Houge; siblings, Stuart Brown, Ruth Docherty, John Brown and Patricia Shirkie, and Astrid Ronald; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents.

Per Mary's request, no services were held.

(Source: Henry-Olson Funeral Home, Estherville, Iowa.)


 

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