Southampton, MA – Mary Balfour (Hoagland) born July 25, 1923; died December 23, 2025 in Southampton MA.
She is survived by her children, Scott, Thomas and Dianne Balfour; daughter-in-law Carmen Rosa; grandchildren Jacob Balfour, José Balfour and Jessica Hawryshyn and great-grandchildren Tessa Buerk, Kaya Hawryshyn, Juliana Balfour and Gabriela Balfour.
Mary grew up in Kentucky and retained both her accent and her southern charm. A child of the Depression, she learned the value of frugality and a modest lifestyle. During World War II, she worked as a reporter for the Louisville newspaper, a job which suited her curiosity about people from all walks of life. She studied English at the University of Louisville where she met husband Neil Balfour.
Mary and Neil moved frequently for his job in the paper industry – living in Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Ottawa, Connecticut and Kentucky. Wherever they landed, Mary quickly found a church; the hub of her spiritual and social life. Her Christian faith was, in her words, her rock and her lifeblood.
Mary was above all a people person. She was fascinated by other peoples’ lives and a great listener. She treasured her friendships and was a wonderful listener. Friends and family relied on her for advice on subjects ranging from affairs of the heart to decorating.
She was an active member of her community, supporting causes such as the Carter Center and Doctors Without Borders. At various points, she volunteered in literacy programs, nursing homes, the Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity.
After Neil’s death, Mary moved to Southampton to be closer to her children. She remained there in the home she loved until her death. Although her body declined with age, her mind remained clear until her final days. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Special thanks to the Hospice staff who provided medical care, companionship and comfort during Mary’s final months.
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