Beverly A. Ballou

Potsdam: Beverly Ann (Burrell) Ballou, 91, of Potsdam and resident of St. Joseph Home in Ogdensburg for the past two years, passed away on Thursday, February 12, 2026. She leaves behind five children, family and friends who will miss her dearly.

She was born in Potsdam in 1934, and always said her life was a series of blessings and miracles. She graduated from Potsdam High School in 1952 and worked at the Potsdam telephone office as a switch-board operator. She married Gerald A Ballou, April 9, 1955, the day before her 20th birthday.

They moved to Syracuse, enjoying the views from Onondaga Hill, but not the epic snows as much. They returned to Potsdam and built the family home on Rt. 56, where they raised five children.

She enjoyed searching for antique treasures, collecting depression glass, postcards and buttons. She was a domestic engineer caring for the family and was able to retire from the cooking duties when Gerald took over upon his retirement from AT&T/Verizon. She was a skilled and artistic women crocheting doilies and afghans and embroidering many framed pieces and baby quilts.

She enjoyed her summer "girl trips" with her daughters including visiting Ohio and Pennsylvania. She loved the beautiful sunrises and sunsets.

In later years, she said it was "never too cold for ice cream" and would even enjoy a cup after breakfast, occasionally.

She is survived by her five children David (Wendy) Ballou and her grandson Adam Ballou of Bennington, VT; Ellen (Thomas) Nesbitt, Peru, NY; Angela Ballou, Marylee Ballou, both of Potsdam; and John (Laura) and her granddaughter Lyla of Rochester, NY, as one niece, five nephews, grand-nieces and nephews, and four great-grand nieces, and a brother, Richard Burrell of Potsdam.

She was predeceased by her parents and a brother, Winferd Burrell of FL.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph's Home in Ogdensburg, or the Colton Community Church.

Friends and family are invited to call on Friday, February 20, 2026 from 2:00 – 4:00 pm at the Donaldson-Seymour Funeral Home in Potsdam. Burial will take place in the spring.