Shirley Joyce Balch

Shirley J. Balch died on February 2, 2021, surrounded by family. In the last years of her life, her fondest wish was to be reunited with her late husband of sixty-three years, Joseph. She was predeceased by her parents, Kenneth and Blanche Parker, sister and brother-in-law, Beverly and Edgar Pharmer, and son in law Glenn Uhrich. She is survived by her children, Cindy Uhrich, Greg Balch, Jeff Balch (Lisa), and Ken Balch (Kim); grandchildren Carolyn, Chris, Jay, and Matt; sister Betty Bennett, in laws - Edgar and Loretta Balch, Roland and Patricia Green, and several nieces and nephews.

Shirley was born in Poultney, Vermont and graduated from the Ellis Hospital School of Nursing as a registered nurse. While proud of her profession, she would tell you that her greatest joy and purpose in life was caring for her husband and her children. Shirley was an extraordinary cook who learned the art of Cajun cooking from her husband and his family. A master baker, she delighted in baking thousands of Christmas cookies every holiday season for her family, friends, neighbors, and her husband's office.

Her greatest legacy however came from the way she lived out her deep faith in God. It was ever present in all that she did. Whether it was raising her children in the faith, volunteering, supporting organizations that helped the poor, Shirley lived out her faith every day. She was a friend to many and her warm smile and outgoing personality naturally drew others to her.

In her later years, Shirley had a deep sense of the Divine, active and visible in her life. She told us that she was not afraid to die and just days before her death, said that the journey was not hard. Shirley will be deeply missed but lives on in the lives of her children and grandchildren, who carry on her legacy of faith, family, and love.

Funeral service and interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Friends Association for the Care and Protection of Women and Children at 113 West Chestnut Street, West Chester, PA 19380. https://friendsassoc.org

Arrangements by DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. 410 N. Church St. West Chester, PA 19380 610-696-1181 www.DellaFH.com