Iola Marie "Balcom" McCullough

Iola Marie (Balcom) McCullough

Rutland - It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and friend, Iola Marie (Balcom) McCullough. Iola passed on Friday morning, August 15, 2025 at Vista Senior Care, after a long period of failing health.

Iola was born on December 1, 1928 in Shoreham, the daughter of Owen C. and Maude (Blackmer) Balcom. She was a farm girl and grew up in Orwell, attending elementary school there. She went on to attend Shoreham High School for two years, finishing her high school years at Brandon High School, graduating in 1947 with honors.

On September 12, 1948 she married the love of her life, Lloyd McCullough. They celebrated their 53rd anniversary shortly before his passing in 2001.

After marriage, she worked for Ayrshire Breeders Association in Brandon. After the birth of their son, Brian, and 15 months later their daughter, Janice, she was a stay at home mom. When we were in 5th and 7th grade she went to work at Metro Mail where she remained for over 30 years until her retirement.

Iola was a member of Pittsford Congregational Church; Order of the Eastern Star, Marble Chapter, #80 in Brandon; American Legion Auxiliary, Unit #31; and the Anne Story Chapter DAR. She was a volunteer usher at the Paramount Theater for 23 years, which brought her so much joy.

Survivors include a son, Brian McCullough and wife, Carol of Bessemer City, NC; a daughter, Janice McCullough Tower and husband, John of Rutland; a bonus daughter, Pat Jaquith, who lovingly helped care for her; three grandsons, John Tower, Jr. and wife, Danielle Senecal of Brunswick, ME; Robert Obee Tower and wife, Meaghan of Toronto, Ontario and Shawn McCullough and wife Lisa, of Southington, CT. She is also survived by two step grandsons, Brian Travis and Scott Travis; and by eight great grandchildren; Gabriel and Elliot Tower, Kyla and Sophie Obee Tower, Nikole Travis Newman, Anthony O'Brien, Nathan McCullough and Kasey Newman. Also, several special nieces, nephews and cousins.

She is predeceased by her husband, Lloyd G. McCullough on September 29, 2001; her parents, Owen and Maude Balcom; a grandson, Bradley McCullough; two sisters, Lenore Smith and Muriel Paradis, and two brothers, Owen Charles (Chuck) Balcom and Leroy (Roy) Balcom.

Per Iola's request, there will be no calling hours. A funeral service will be held on Sunday, August 31 at 1:00 PM at Pittsford Congregational Church. Light refreshments will be served in the church hall following the service. We will then proceed to Evergreen Cemetery for burial.

We would like to express our deep gratitude to the staff and aides at Vista Senior Care for the wonderful loving care they provided her over the last six months; the staff, Chris Masillo and Shanna Halliday at Lisa and Peter Hogenkamp's for the wonderful care provided my mother and all the support and guidance provided to me; and the support of our pastor, Michael Dwyer.

Memorial contributions may be made to Pittsford Congregational Church, 121 Village Green, Pittsford, VT 05763.