1926 – 2012

FARMINGTON — Carolyn Lomas Balsam, 86, of Industry, passed away Sunday, Oct. 14, at Orchard Park Rehabilitation and Living Center.

She was born in New Haven, Conn., Sept. 17, 1926, the daughter of Russell E. and Ethel (Mertz) Lomas. She attended New Haven public schools and the Day School, received her bachelor’s degree from Russell Sage College, her master’s degree from the Columbia University School of Library Services and her teaching certificate as a library specialist from Southern Connecticut State College.

She was a chemical librarian at Standard Brands Inc. in Stamford, Conn., and then taught in the Stamford school system in special education.

Carolyn married William E. Barch in 1960, who died in 1964. In 1966 she married Philip Johns Balsam, who died in 1991.

Carolyn, Phil and son, Philip, came to Industry in 1979, and in 1980 she became a Literacy Volunteer tutor, then secretary and later chairman of the board. In 1997 she received the Volunteers of America Star Award and in 2002 the DAR Community Service Award. She was secretary and treasurer of the Farmington Area Ecumenical Ministry and was one of the first volunteers of the Care and Share Food Closet.

Carolyn was on the SAD 9 School Board for 10 years and the board of LEAP Inc., and was an Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice visiting, hospice and bereavement volunteer, receiving the 2003 Robert D. Turcotte Award.

She was a member of the Friends of Pierce House, participated in the Safe Visitors program, the Gold Leaf Institute, the UMF Cooperative Extension Homemakers Industry Group and was a deacon in her UCC Church Shorey Chapel in Industry.

Volunteering and helping others was an essential part of her life. Even upon her death, she is continuing to do so by donating her body to the University of New England for research.

Music was a very important part of her life, being in church choirs and choruses all her life. She was also a hand weaver and an avid reader.

Carolyn is survived by her son, Philip, his wife, Dovey; and four of her children, Joe, Woody, Arthur and Annie Noyes; her two grandchildren, Anthony Johns and Victoria Lynne Balsam; her nieces, Wendy Lomas, Beverly Greene and Suzanne Emerson; her nephew, A. Heaton Robertson and his wife, Henrietta; and her great-niece, Charlotte Greene Connellan, her husband, Mark, and children, Jack and Lilly.

She was predeceased by her sisters, Barbara and Geraldine; her brother, John; and Dovey’s son, Cary Noyes.

Those wishing may send condolences for the family at www.adamsmcfarlane.com.