Joan Carol Balch

Joan was born in Springfield to George and Lena Lovett (Bisesti) on January 13, 1947. She grew up in a large family in Springfield Massachusetts and attended Classical High School in Springfield.

Joan worked for the Telephone company for many years , later returning to school to become a Certified Financial Planner.

"Joanie" as many liked to call her, met the love of her life in High School, Francis Michael Balch who together traveled to Dekalb Illinois and started their family, before returning to the East Coast to be closer to family.

Joan enjoyed boating, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. She even spent some years on the back of her Husband's Harley Davidson traveling to Bike Week in Daytona Florida along with other places. "Joanie" knew how to have a good time!! Her greatest pleasure was being a wife, mother, and grandmother.

Joan is pre-deceased by her sister Eileen (Lovett) as well as her only son Michael Joseph Balch in 2010.

Joan leaves behind her Loving spouse Francis Michael , her grandchild Autumn, Two brothers, William and George as well as a sister Kathy (Bach), many nieces and nephews as well as many friends.     

She also leaves behind her Daughter in law Christine Balch (Elliott)

In Lieu of flowers, Please consider making a donation in her honor to either Tunnel to Towers, or the Wounded Warrior Foundation.