Elaine Gabriel Balch

Message from MaryAnn Tinker Pellegrino

Hello Balch family,
Your mother was always helpful to my parents and us kids when we were next door neighbors as children. She had a kind heart.. The world misses her.
MaryAnn Pellegrino

A candle was lit by Cher Aiudi-Washenko ( "Sherry' Aiudi) on February 28, 2017 1:16 AM

---

I don't know if you remember me Leslie, but I remember you and your mother from West Haven. Im sending sympathy and prayers for your and your family's loss.

A candle was lit by Cher Aiudi-Washenko ( "Sherry " Aiudi) on February 28, 2017 1:11 AM

Message from Katherine C. Abbott Moser

They say we had the most amazing wedding. It was a day to be talked about for a long time. Between Andy hammering away to help the couple who kindly lent us their entire home & yard fix their pool deck, never thinking my own sister would be the one to use the diving board and ~ echos heard thru the streets as the board snapped in half! My entire family and a few cousins came & everyone brought food oh yes and 4 Gallons of apple pie moonshine and I think 3 kegs! But my biggest blessing that day would have been to have my Grandmother there, but she couldn't have been as she watched from above, never 2nd best but my grandmothers dear friend and a woman I loved and truly wish I had gotten to know more of. I asked my Aunt Elaine who was so much more than family. She was my beach partner growing up, she was my go to person for my pagents, she was even my go to neighbor when we would visit Andy's long time friend who lived 2 doors from her - common' everyone let's go say HI ~ drinks in hand! I hear she never stopped talking about how happy she was for me and how all those bikers and women with tattoos never once let her get up. We catered to an amazing woman, as she had catered to us all those years. How they treated her like gold. Elaine will always be one of the most amazing women I will ever have had the pleasure of calling family. I will personally miss her. And pray they day they lay her to rest will be warm enough because she did get such a huge kick out of all the motorcycles that it just seems fitting that I will be riding!! May you R. I. P. Aunt Elaine. I will always love you. - Kasey Abbott and family!

Message from Gary Carlson

"Aunt" Elaine was one of my favorite people of all time. Who can deny or forget her love of life, good humor, loyalty, and HUGE heart? She always made me laugh, always made me feel welcome, always made me feel good about myself. I will miss her phone calls, her advice, and the love and concern she always expressed for my mother, and me, and the rest of my family. Elaine was an unforgettable, irreplaceable woman--larger than life, ALWAYS well-meaning, NEVER mean-spirited--and what a cook! I count myself fortunate to have known her. I wish I'd had the time and the opportunity to tell her how much I enjoyed her and loved her. I think that at some level, she knew. Even when there was a tiff between my mom and Elaine, she would still call, and I knew I could always "talk turkey" with her. I could also still feel her love and concern for my mom and the rest of my family. What a great lady! God bless you, Elaine. My sincerest condolences to Leslie and to the rest of Elaine's (and Charlie's) loving family. Gary C.

Message from Gary Carlson

"Aunt" Elaine was one of my favorite people of all time. Who can deny or forget her love of life, good humor, loyalty, and HUGE heart? She always made me laugh, always made me feel welcome, always made me feel good about myself. I will miss her phone calls, her advice, and the love and concern she always expressed for my mother, and me, and the rest of my family. Elaine was an unforgettable, irreplaceable woman--larger than life, ALWAYS well-meaning, NEVER mean-spirited--and what a cook! I count myself fortunate to have known her. I wish I'd had the time and the opportunity to tell her how much I enjoyed her and loved her. I think that at some level, she knew. Even when there was a tiff between my mom and Elaine, she would still call, and I knew I could always "talk turkey" with her. I could also still feel her love and concern for my mom and the rest of my family. What a great lady! God bless you, Elaine. My sincerest condolences to Leslie and to the rest of Elaine's (and Charlie's) loving family. Gary C.

A candle was lit by Pam Bradley on February 19, 2017 5:30 PM

---

We are so sorry to hear of Elaine's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. Elaine was so very kind to our son Patrick. He enjoyed talking with her and helping her with little tasks. He especially enjoyed sharing her cookies with the family. We will remember Elaine's kindness forever.

Message from Pam,Kevin,Patrick,Margaret Bradley

We are very sorry to hear about Elaine's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. Elaine was so very kind to Patrick. He enjoyed talking to her and doing little choirs for her. He loved sharing her cookies with the family. They were like gold. Her kindness will be remembered by us forever.

A candle was lit by Beth Ann Gilbert on February 19, 2017 3:02 AM

Message from Beth Ann Gilbert

Leslie, Chuck
I am so sorry for your loss. Your Mom will live on in my heart forever. I have so many great memories. Her baking was suburb. Her personality was outstanding. Her laughter was so enlightening. What can I say. I will miss her so much. She was a great person. and friend . She adored her family and was so proud of all of you.

A candle was lit by Bill Manthey with you in my thoughts and prayers on February 18, 2017 5:24 PM

A candle was lit by Colette and Andy Anderson our deepest sympathy on February 18, 2017 10:03 AM

Message from Pam,Kevin,Patrick, andMargaret Bradley

We are so sorry to hear of Elaine's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. Elaine was always so kind to Patrick. He enjoyed talking to her and helping her with little choirs. He enjoyed sharing the cookies she made with the family. They were like gold. The memories of her kindness will remain with us forever.

Message from Steven Wolfson, MD

I'm saddened that Elaine's light is gone from our lives. She was such a delight to see in my office, cheerful and loving. Seeing her photograph, it reminds me of her smile. It would brighten my day.

My condolences to all. She leaves such good memories.

Steven Wolfson, MD

Message from Lisa M. Maiorano

Dear Leslie, Charles & Family, This is to express my sincerest condolences to your bereaved family on the passing of your mother/grandmother, Elaine G. Balch. My last 'night out' with mother & Elaine was @ Oakdale in wallingford to see 'EVITA'. I'll miss 'social hour' for coffee & ginger snaps with Elaine in her kitchen. With Empathy, a. Lisa Maiorano. (daughter of Elaine's late friend, Helen Maiorano)

Message from George Hunihan and family

To the Balch Family,
The passing of a great era has come and yes, the ginger snap cookies will be missed. I can vividly remember the parties at ours and others' houses with the Margans, Milicis, Benedettos and a host of others attending. That whole group were such good friends, almost like siblings. I recently spoke with Elaine and she recounted Charle's war story and it gave me goose bumps as she remembered every detail and of course with the great oratory skills that she had!

The greatest generation indeed!

George Hunihan on behalf of all of our family

Message from Gloria Dest Griffiths

This very sad for me. Although I have not seen Elaine in years, thinking of her brings back many fond memories of my childhood and early adulthood. She was a kind, generous, talented and amazing lady. My thoughts are with her family.

Message from Elizabeth Willsher

Dear sweet Elaine, a West Haven icon. She was like our second mother. The Morgan sisters have wonderful memories of her, always full of advice and comfort foods. We lost a dear friend.

A candle was lit by Geralyn, Bob,Trevor and Dylan Beers on February 16, 2017 8:09 PM

Message from Jill, Adam, and Brandon

What a wonderful neighbor, so sweet and giving, especially when it came to cookies! Our deepest sympathy goes to Elaine's family and friends.

Message from Jack

Elaine was one very nice lady,(cookie lady)she was called. who ever she had a ride with or she had to visit she would make cookies for, she had a very big heart, I'm sure she will be missed by many

Message from Nancy (Miller) Spreyer

Leslie and Chuck:

I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of your Mom. I have so many wonderful memories of our childhood and remember her fondly. She was a loving, beautiful lady and will be missed by so many. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families during this difficult time.

Message from Ralph

Dear Leslie, Charles and Family,

My deepest sympathy on your mother and grandmother's passing. She was a wonderful lady, a great friend and surely the "Queen" of the Lake Street Beach Group. She was truly loved by many. I guess that they need a new lady in the bakery up there in heaven.

RALPH P. LAWSON, III

A candle was lit by Billie Jo Anderson on February 16, 2017 9:14 AM

---

Prayers for comfort during this time. Elaine and Charles ginger snaps will forever live on in the Anderson household. Even the boys have learned how to make them.

A candle was lit by Billie Jo, Alexander, Justin, & Alex Anderson on February 16, 2017 9:09 AM

Message from Gail Burns

My condolences to your family. I had the opportunity to meet Elaine when she wanted a tree planted in front of her house. She was the nicest and most appreciative person, and so kind. When I saw this morning of her passing I felt very sad. My thoughts and prayers are with you now. With deepest sympathy, Gail Burns.

A candle was lit by Jamie Mcgrath-Larson on February 16, 2017 4:11 AM

Message from Sharon Gilbert Verbeek

My condolences I'm so sorry she was so special to me she will remain in my heart forever

A candle was lit by Sharon Gilbert Verbeek on February 15, 2017 11:07 PM

A candle was lit by Mona & Steve Conrad on February 15, 2017 11:05 PM

Message from Cathy Biagetti

Lesile, Chuck &Family,
My sincere sympathy on the loss of your beloved mother and my friend
I have wonderful memories of her on Lake St beach, sharing her wonnderful receipes
She was a loving ,generous ,caring woman
May she rest in peace