Barbara Balsano

Barbara Balsano, passed on. Barbara was a beauty from the inside out from the day she was born in Clason Point, NY. Her stunning and kind blue eyes were always the first to be noticed. She grew up the oldest of four children in a close and loving family. Barbara often spoke of swimming in the sound and fishing off the dock of the boathouse they called home. She was incredibly close with her parents, her two sisters and brother. Barbara was proud to be from the Bronx and loved the Yankees and the Giants. Barbara met the love of her life, Nicholas, as a teenager. As a young bride, Barbara worked as a secretary in the city and often boasted about her ability to run down the subway stairs in her heels. Barbara and Nicholas had six children. Barbara was one of the most selfless, kind, and generous souls to walk this earth. There was no one more loyal, loving and supportive in her roles as wife and mother. She was compassionate and caring, instilling values of love, kindness and respect. She gave up everything to raise her six children and would have it no other way. Always there for us, supporting us and loving us no matter what, we always knew she would be there. She drew pictures on our lunch bags, made clothes from curtains and was sure that we were all well fed with her delicious home cooked meals. She was tender and nurturing always but especially when we were sick or heartbroken. She was not so tender with an infamous blue Avon brush, but our hair was never out of place for school.

Barbara had incredible strength both inside and out. She could move furniture like it was weightless and could carry more grocery bags than anyone should ever leave the store with. She had a sneeze that would echo through the house. One of her favorite possessions was her gold cross with teeth marks nibbled by her children and grandchildren. The only people mom loved more than us were her grandchildren. She loved and spoiled each of her 10 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. She also loved her “grand dogs”. Even as her memory declined, she remembered how to hold and speak to a baby and how to pet a dog. Nurturing was innate for Barbara. She was a mother to not only her children and grandchildren, but “Mama B” was a mom to our friends, spouses and her own friends.

Barbara was famous for her amazing cooking. All our friends will remember our house growing up as the house with food all the time. Our fridge was always full and cake, cookies and dried Italian sausage were never in short supply. She made a pot of gravy and meatballs every Sunday. She hosted parties and holidays like a pro. Each year she put up the “arc” (aka, Christmas tree) that no one was allowed to touch. She baked dozens and dozens of Christmas cookies stored in tins with perfectly placed parchment paper. She did this because she loved her family and loved nothing more than to have us all together. She wanted to see us eat those meatballs and cookies and tell us we still looked skinny. She wanted to see the excitement in our eyes when the tree was complete (from a safe distance with our hands in our pockets). She was happiest when her family was together. She loved making us coffee and chatting with us at the table for hours. As soon as you entered the house no matter what time of day mom would say, “Let me put on a pot of coffee”. As we grew older and moved away from home, she would have “morning coffee” with each of us over the phone. The funny thing is each of us thought we were the only one she was having morning coffee with because she had a unique ability to make us each feel special in such a large, loud family. Hand made birthday signs were hung on the refrigerator for each and every one of us each year, regardless of our age. The thoughtfulness and selflessness she possessed were rare and exemplar. She is remembered for her love, her nurturing spirit and her kindness. Our hearts are truly broken; for now, life without you will never be the same. You left us the gift of each other and for that we are forever grateful. The lessons you taught us will never be forgotten. You will forever be in our hearts. We love you.

As soon as it is permitted we will have the proper services, mass and celebration.

In lieu of flowers, we would like to send meals purchased from local businesses, to our surrounding hospitals and nursing homes. During these unprecedented times we can help both small business and first responders. All money raised will go towards helping our true heroes. Please honor Barbara by clicking here to send donations.

All service being held will be private.