Margarita (McSweeney) Balcom, 84, of Natick, MA and Scituate, MA, passed away, Tuesday, October 24, 2023.
Born in New York City, NY, she was the daughter of the late William and Kathleen (Harrington) McSweeney.
After graduating from Wellesley College, Margarita had worked in human resources at TJX corp for 12 years, and the Principal of a Career Support Consultancy for 14 years, retiring in 2009. Marg has impacted the careers of many and got great satisfaction through the success of those she helped. She was a long time member and past president of the Natick Historical Society, an author of 2 historical booklets on the history of Natick, and always enjoyed bringing local history knowledge to the Natick schools and its students. She was an enthusiastic fan of local productions including opera and classical music, an avid reader and member of 2 book clubs, and a lover of gardening. Her beautiful plantings at both her houses in Natick and Scituate were sources of great pride for her and enjoyed by many.
She is survived by four sons, William B. Balcom and his wife Sharon of Kennebunkport, ME, Brian M. Balcom and his wife Mardi of Newburyport, MA, Michael S. Balcom and his wife Karen of Natick, MA, and Mark S. Balcom and his wife Carol Clark of Sudbury, MA, a daughter, Jeanne M. Balcom and her husband Charles McGovern of Falls Church, VA, fourteen grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life was held on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, from 4 -7PM at The Garden at Elm Bank, 900 Washington St., Wellesley, MA.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests establishing a new planting in her memory or consider a donation towards the Natick Historical Society’s Marg M. Balcom Memorial Archival Fellowship.
Arrangements were by the John Everett & Sons Funeral Home, 4 Park St., Natick Common.
Read the Natick Historical Society tribute to Marg Balcom
Marg. M. Balcom Memorial Archival Fellowship Foundation
For many here, this day is a finish line of sorts, a realization of a vision that many shared. To those that remember the state of these facilities just a few years ago I’m sure you appreciate what a pleasure it is to now walk in and browse our local history. I think we can all agree it’s come along way.
But like most things, it’s not about the destination, but the many milestones and short steps along one’s journey. Our mom understands this more than anyone. The importance she gives to just doing the work, to taking those small steps consistently and reliably. Her persistence in showing up to do work in the archives, every Tuesday, always impressed me – no matter the weather, or even if she was enjoying time at the shore in Scituate, she would make it in to finish a drawer, or catalog a subject. Although an avid reader of fiction (mostly historical), our mother does not live in the clouds, but prefers progress on firm ground, one step at a time. And we all love her for that. It was this doggedness, persistence and ability to see the vision that allowed her to get her 5 kids through college and beyond.
So, we, her family, are happy and grateful for the opportunity to contribute to something that means so much to her. That will continue her efforts of professional archival research and preservation. I see so much wonderful work as I browse around, with everything from the Algonquin bible to Flutie Flakes, and all that’s made possible by the information inside these walls. Now, with this fellowship fund started, the hope of continued preservation and access to these archival resources and evidence of our shared history continues. I’m sure Marg would love for this fund to continue to grow through the community’s continued support, and similar to this ground floor location, will provide foundational support for a stronger understanding of who we were, who we are now, and ultimately where we are capable of going.
—Balcom Family
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