Barbara Ida Balsley

Barbara Ida DeVry Balsley passed away quietly on February 23rd, 2023, at the age of 86. Barb was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Marguerite Heller DeVry and Edward Bernard DeVry.

She lived in Chicago with her parents and sister until 1953, when the family moved to Kenilworth, Illinois. Barb graduated in 1954 from New Trier High School in Winnetka, Illinois, and then attended the University of Illinois where she graduated in 1958 with a Bachelor’s degree in Education. It was during college that Barb met her future husband, Robert Jay Balsley.

Barb and Bob were married on March 1, 1958, at the Kenilworth Union Church, and moved into their first home in Kenilworth in 1960. Barb’s two children, Steve and Stacey, were born in 1960 and 1965, respectively, and were raised in Kenilworth. Barb was an active contributor and volunteer in several community organizations. She held leadership positions in the Evanston Junior League, the Arden Shore, the Kenilworth Union Church, and the Joseph Sears Parent Association. In her later years, Barb was very active in the NorthShore University HealthSystem, where she was co-chair of the Evanston Hospital Ball, three-time co-chair of the American Craft Exposition, and president of the Evanston/Glenbrook Auxiliary. Perhaps Barb’s most notable legacy will be her unselfish willingness to jump in and help where needed, and to do so with an energy and humor that few will forget. Everyone who had the fortune to know Barb felt the love. Barb was famous for her lists, which not only kept her perfectly organized and on schedule, but also kept her family marching in the same direction. And those lists continued to the very end!

Barb is survived by her sister, Carol; her son, Steve; her daughter, Stacey; and her granddaughter, Petra. She was predeceased by her husband, Robert (January 11th, 2021). Barb loved the Chicago Botanic Garden, and the family often enjoyed the seasonal displays and beautiful garden arrangements.

Tribute donations in Barb’s name may be made to the Chicago Botanic Garden by way of this link: https://www.chicagobotanic.org/donate/tribute