Longtime Potsdam Resident Beverly Ann Ballou Dies at 91

Ballou leaves behind five children, family, and friends after passing away at St. Joseph Home in Ogdensburg.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Beverly Ann (Burrell) Ballou, a 91-year-old longtime resident of Potsdam, New York, passed away on Thursday, February 12, 2026. Ballou had been a resident of St. Joseph Home in Ogdensburg for the past two years. She is survived by her five children, as well as numerous other family members and friends.

Why it matters

Ballou's passing marks the end of an era for a beloved community member who lived in Potsdam for decades. As a skilled crafter and devoted family matriarch, Ballou was known for her love of antiques, depression-era glass, and ice cream, even in her later years.

The details

Ballou was born in Potsdam in 1934 and graduated from Potsdam High School in 1952. She worked as a switchboard operator at the Potsdam telephone office before marrying Gerald A. Ballou in 1955. The couple moved to Syracuse for a time but returned to Potsdam, where they built their family home on Route 56 and raised five children. Ballou was known for her domestic skills, crocheting, and embroidery, as well as her love of antique collecting and summer trips with her daughters.

  • Ballou was born in Potsdam in 1934.
  • Ballou graduated from Potsdam High School in 1952.
  • Ballou married Gerald A. Ballou on April 9, 1955.
  • Ballou passed away on Thursday, February 12, 2026.
  • Ballou had been a resident of St. Joseph Home in Ogdensburg for the past two years.

The players

Beverly Ann (Burrell) Ballou

A 91-year-old longtime resident of Potsdam, New York, who passed away on February 12, 2026 after being a resident of St. Joseph Home in Ogdensburg for the past two years.

Gerald A. Ballou

Ballou's husband, with whom she moved to Syracuse for a time before returning to Potsdam and building their family home on Route 56, where they raised five children.

Richard Burrell

Ballou's brother, who survives her.

Winferd Burrell

Ballou's brother, who predeceased her.

David Ballou

One of Ballou's five children, who lives in Bennington, Vermont with his wife Wendy and their son Adam.

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What’s next

Ballou's funeral arrangements are set for 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.

The takeaway

Ballou's passing marks the end of an era for a beloved Potsdam community member who dedicated her life to her family and her passions, including antique collecting, crafting, and enjoying the simple pleasures of life like ice cream.