Audrey Claire (Clark) Ballou, 96, passed away on Monday, September 26, 2022.
Audrey was born on November 17, 1925 in Duquesne, PA, where she lived with her father, Brooks, and her mother, Jesse. Audrey had two brothers, Fred and Rae, as well as a sister, Ruth. She loved singing in the church choir, being a majorette in the band, excelling in all her classes, and going to the Malt Shop to meet up with friends after school.
Upon graduating from high school, Audrey was accepted to Homestead Hospital School of Nursing, where her life’s work was cemented after three years of training to be a Registered Nurse. Audrey loved being a nurse, and after graduation she moved to Washington, D.C., where she began her career at Doctor’s Hospital, working in labor and delivery. While working there, two very significant relationships were developed: her nursing pal, Ellen White, remained a steadfast friend until Ellen passed away a few years ago; and Audrey met and married Tom Dolan who made it possible for them to raise a family in Falls Church, VA. They had three sons, Thomas (Winchester, VA), Patrick (Fredericksburg, VA), and Brian (deceased 2016). Audrey found work and fulfillment at the Virginia Public Health Department from 1962 to 1987, where she worked full time while raising three rambunctious boys. She loved every minute of it, too.
In 1981, Audrey was remarried to Steven Ballou. They loved to travel and went to Europe, Canada, the west coast of the U.S., as well as local trips on the east coast. In 1987, after retiring from the Virginia Public Health Department, Steven and Audrey moved to Boston, MA, where they lived for three years before moving to New Hampshire for 30 years. Audrey continued to work as a nurse in a Visiting Nurses Association located on the seacoast of NH, close to where they lived. Audrey would cook for family and friends, and made countless crafts for grandchildren, nieces, and nephews during that time. In total, Audrey was a nurse from age 17 to when she retired at age 81 years old.
In 2018, a decision was made to return to Virginia so that Audrey might be closer to her family again. Audrey had three beautiful granddaughters, Heather, Katy, and Amy. She also had three beautiful great-grandchildren, Brooke, Grayson, and Jack. Audrey was so proud of her three sons, her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren.
Audrey will be remembered as being a great friend, caring nurse, devoted mom, and wonderful wife. It was a very good life.