Obituary of Ann H. Balk

Ann Katherine Heins Balk died at her home in New Scotland, NY on July 8, 2018. Born in 1925 to the late Ann Sablon Heins and William F. Heins, she grew up in Glens Falls and graduated from Russell Sage College. She worked as a chemist for General Analyn in Easton, Pennsylvania, where she was recognized for her patents.

 A great lover of the arts and a talented actress, Ann played many lead roles throughout high school, college, and in community theaters in Easton, Woodstock NY, Ithaca NY, and Albany NY. As Viola in Twelfth Night, Ann became acquainted backstage with the love of her life, Walter Balk (Orsino). They married in 1951, had three children, and were best friends and lovers for over 57 years, until Walter’s death in 2008.

Ann was a gifted artist with pen and pencil, watercolor, and oils. She cared deeply about her community, volunteering with the League of Women Voters and serving on the Voorheesville School Board. She enjoyed studying Italian at SUNY Albany, meeting with her book club, reading the New York Times every day, and tending her beloved gardens, including heirloom roses and an extraordinarily huge specimen Burr Oak she raised from a small seedling. Many dogs, cats, ponies, horses, birds, and other wild creatures found refuge with Ann.

Every day with Mom was filled with awe and appreciation for the natural world. She surrounded her family and friends with love. Godspeed, dear Mama.

Preceded in death by her mother and father, husband Walter Balk, brother Norman Heins, and many family and friends. Survived by her children Amy Virginia Balk-Armstrong, Peter Balk, Christianne Balk; grandchildren Austin, Lauren, Jessie, Samuel, and Bella; great grand children Maelle, Olive Ann, and Teo; cousin Nancy Heins Wenning, sister in law Raymond Heins; and niece Sylvianne Jaras Cabrera.  Briefly survived by her sister, Virginia S. Heins.

 A celebration of life will be held at Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Avenue, Delmar, NY on Thursday, June 13, 2019 at 3:30 PM. RSVP’s welcome at cbalk@juno.com or 206-380-9544. Graveside burial on Friday June 14, 2019 2 pm at The Woodstock Cemetery in Woodstock, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Open Space Institute (openspaceinstitute.org) or Russell Sage College.