Penelope Nell Baasch Balderson

Penelope Nell Baasch Balderson, age 85, recently of Prince Frederick, MD, passed away on
March 26, 2025. Penelope was born November 18, 1939 in Buffalo, ND. A cherished mother,
grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, she passed away peacefully surrounded by her
family. Born to Albert and Maxine Baasch, she grew up on a farm in Cornell Township. She
carried the values of hard work and determination throughout her life. Moving to Minneapolis,
she began working for Honeywell. She later graduated from University of North Carolina with a
degree in Cartography, echoing her spirit of travel and adventure. Penny is preceded in death
by her husband Alan Everett Balderson, her beloved parents Albert and Maxine, her 3 brothers,
Vaughn, Gene, and Jan Baasch, her stepson Lee Tilford, and her great grandson Ronan. Penny
had a lively, vivacious spirit and impacted every person she met. She never slowed down,
always busy and on the go, ready for the next adventure. She loved to travel, eager to explore
new places and make lasting memories. While living in Turkey with her family, she was very
influential in the community, including setting up a Women's Club and taking much needed relief
supplies to people affected by a devastating earthquake that hit the area. Having been raised on
a farm in North Dakota, she later found herself running her family farm in North Carolina tending
a large garden, managing cows and other farm animals and keeping the machinery running.
She had a successful career in the nuclear industry which took her from New Orleans to South
Florida to Toronto. Ultimately, she retired to Florida where she loved the warm weather and
sunshine and entertaining the revolving door of visitors. She enjoyed the camaraderie of playing
bridge, where she was known for her sharp mind, playing several times a week. She always had
a creative project going, including embroidery and painting, and often made beautiful,
handmade gifts for loved ones. She had a colorful and playful love for fashion, enjoying special
events, music, and gatherings. She enjoyed waterskiing, snow skiing, playing baseball, camping
and many other outdoor activities. Penelope's love for her family was immeasurable. She was a
devoted mother to her children, Cami Jill (Joe) Fenton, Patrick Albert McLeod, Daniel Thomas
McLeod, and Molly Maxine (Glen) Ridgway, Kelly (Kalene) Tilford, and Doug (Tammy) Tilford
and a doting grandmother to her grandchildren, Matilda (Matt) Fenton Villarrubia, Dacey
Hannah Fenton, Kienan Joseph Fenton, Cailyn Marie (Jamie) Saviski, Thomas Vaughn
(Melissa) McLeod, Madeline Roanna (Jack) Dana, Albert Lee McLeod, Kevin Michael (Whitney)
Edwards, Dani Jill (Aaron) Schmidt, Jesse Ryan (Emma) Ridgway, Jake Fitzpatrick (Kristin)
Ridgway, Georgianna Rose Ridgway, Sophie Belle (Cody) Howes, Theodore Ellsworth
Ridgway, Lee Tilford, Adam Tilford, Delaney, Tiffany, Nicole, Caleb, and McKinnley Tilford and
a beloved great-grandmother to 20. Her nurturing spirit, wisdom, and warmth shaped the lives of
all who knew her. Family gatherings were filled with laughter, love, and the unmistakable sense
that she was the heart of it all. Her memory will be cherished forever, and she will be forever
missed. "Though she be but little, she is fierce." - William Shakespeare.