Flora Marie-Louise Balcom

Flora Marie-Louise Balcom (née Pesaloro), age 97, of Newman Lake, Washington, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2026, in Spokane, Washington. She was born on April 2, 1928 in Mantenay-Montlin, France to Angelo Pesaloro and Rina Bruni. Flora spent her early years in France amid World War II, where she developed her strength and resilience.

Flora attended Collège de Pont-de-Vaux and boarding school. She excelled in sports, serving as team captain of her basketball team and competing in the 100-meter dash and high jump in track.

She married her husband, Alvin, in Pont-de-Vaux, France in 1946. She then embarked on a voyage across the Atlantic aboard the USNS George W. Goethals, to join her husband in Washington. Upon her arrival at the Great Northern Railway Depot in Spokane, Flora was greeted with a heartwarming welcome by the Balcom family and a band, marking the beginning of her new chapter in America.

Flora and Alvin initially set down roots in Opportunity, Washington. In 1959, they moved to the historic Muzzy Homestead in Newman Lake, where Flora immersed herself in gardening, farming, and nurturing her family.

Flora earned her bachelor’s degree in education with honors in 1971 and a master’s degree in 1979 from Eastern Washington University. Proficient in seven languages, she pursued a career as a dedicated language teacher, teaching classes at EWU and local high schools. Flora also served as a den mother for the Cub Scouts, exemplifying her commitment to education and community involvement. Flora had a passion for traveling, swimming, sailing and watching all sporting events, big or small. Flora lived a long and fulfilling life, full of spirited spunk and devotion to her loving family. She was known for her unwavering strength, sharp memory, wisdom, grace and French sophistication.

She is survived by her children: Lauretta Woolf-Block (Wayne), Juanita Richardson (James), Alvin Balcom (Renee), and Chantal Balcom; grandchildren: Shannon Woolf (Scott Komar), Jodie Woolf, Kevin Woolf, Angela Barajas (Mike), James Richardson (Shelley), Michael Balcom (Nicole), Bradley Balcom, Nichalas Balcom (Dana), Jaymie Mlotshwa (Zibusiso), Dr. Natalie Balcom-McFall (Christopher Graham); great-grandchildren: Riley Barajas, Chase Richardson, Colton Richardson, George Balcom, Emmett Balcom, Avalean Woolf, Olivia Woolf, Zeekiel Mlotshwa, Damien Mlotshwa, Julius Mlotshwa, Sbusiso Mlotshwa; and her beloved family in France, younger brother, Pierre Pesaloro, niece Roselyne Martinerie and nephews Roland Pesaloro (Josette) and Alain Pesaloro(Marie).

She is predeceased by her husband of 66 years, Alvin Lloyd Balcom, her parents, Angelo Pesaloroand Rina Sorrentino and her brothers: Adolfe Sorrentino (Raymonde), Armand Pesaloro (Huguette), and Bruno Pesaloro (Marie-Claude).

May Flora's legacy of love and devotion continue to shine brightly in the hearts of those she touched. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.