Obituary of Katherine E. Balch

Katherine Ellen (Vail) Balch, 93, of Halfmoon, NY, passed away on Monday, February 24, 2025 at the Wesley Home in Saratoga Springs, NY. Katherine was born in 1931 in Syracuse, New York, a daughter of the late Frederick S. Vail and Marion A. Bell. She is also predeceased by her beloved husband of 69 years: Roland V. Balch, and her siblings: Frederick Vail, Donald Vail, and Marilyn Corsetta. Katherine attended Pine Plains Grade School in Clay, NY, and graduated from North Syracuse High School with the class of 1948. In 1949 she went to work for C.E. Chappell & Son as a bookkeeper. At that time she also started bookkeeping for the Iroquois Publishing Company, which she did until 1951. On September 10, 1949, she married Roland V. Balch, and they enjoyed life together until his death in 2018. Her main occupation was caring for her home, her family, and her community, but she also worked outside of the home, serving as a bookkeeper for eight years at Whitehouse Furniture and Appliances in Syracuse, and for nine years doing office work for International Harvester in Menands, until they closed that location. Katherine was a devoted member of the Church at Newtown Road, and enjoyed cleaning for the church and greeting her fellow parishioners. She loved cooking and baking, and especially enjoyed making wedding cakes for friends. Her family was incredibly important to her, and she enjoyed entertaining them on Sundays and Wednesdays. Katherine and Roland loved to travel together, and especially enjoyed Florida and Myrtle Beach. Katherine wanted everyone to know that she was "Blessed to have 69 years together with Roland. God was very much a part of our lives, and we thank Him for that." Katherine is survived by her two sons: Richard (Fran) Balch, and Gary Balch; her sister: Elizabeth Alt; and several nieces and nephews. A period of visitation will be held for Katherine on Monday, March 3, 2025 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Catricala Funeral Home, 1597 Clifton Park, NY 12065. A graveside comital service will take place in the spring at Hudson View Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Katherine's memory to a charity of your choice.