Barbara Ann Balas

Barbara Ann "Bonnie" Balas 67 of North Plainfield died Friday April 13 2012 at Peggy's House at Center for Hope Hospice in Scotch Plains.

Born in Newark, NJ, Bonnie lived in North Plainfield. She attended Michigan State University on an early admission after her Junior year in High School.

Bonnie transferred to and graduated from Boston University with a Bachelor in Music; major in music education with a minor in piano. Throughout her career she continued to further her Education through graduate studies at many different colleges and universities in self designed philosophy of the Arts in Education.


She began her teaching career after graduation, with the Irvington School District, as a Music Specialist, Vocal Music for grades K-8 and special education.
Working also with the South Orange and Maplewood school districts as a vocal music teacher for grades 7&8, a Choral Classroom Music Specialist, for grades K-6 and special education.

Most recent, Bonnie worked with the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Early Learning Through the Arts Program, and taught private music lessons.


Some of Barbaras' many accomplishments: New Jersey Teacher of Music Certificate - all levels, vocal and instrumental, South Orange and Maplewood Board of Education Recognition of Achievement, Governor's Award for Outstanding Teaching.

She was a member of the Music Educators National Conference, PTA Cultural Arts Advisor, National Education Association, New Jersey Education Association and a member of the South Orange and Maplewood Education Association.



A Service of remembrance will be offered on Wednesday morning April 18, 2012 between 10 and 11 am. In lieu of flowers, Bonnie would love that you made a donation to a charity of your choice, In Loving Memory of Barbara Ann Balas