From Scarsdale to Hope Town

The life story of Mary Balzac ’54 is one of resilience, adventure and a deep connection to the beautiful shores of Hope Town, Bahamas.

Born and raised in Scarsdale, New York, Mary graduated from Scarsdale High School in 1952. Mary pursued her education with determination, attending Colby Junior College and Kathryn Gibbs Executive Secretarial School. But it was in 1957 that her life took an unexpected turn when she joined a group of pioneers in establishing the first resort on Elbow Cay, a five-mile-long cay in the Abaco Islands of the Bahamas. Working alongside Frank Kenyon, Eric Lundgren, Ruth Kenyon, and Dave and Phoebe Gale, Mary discovered her passion for hospitality and entrepreneurship. It was here that Mary's adventurous spirit flourished, laying the foundation for her future endeavors.

During her time in the Bahamas, Mary and her husband, Frank, embarked on a new venture, creating a successful boat and home management business. Alongside her professional endeavors, Mary remained deeply involved in community life, even typing the minutes of the first meeting of the Hope Town Sailing Club.

Despite facing personal challenges, including divorce in 1970, Mary's spirit remained undeterred. Moving to La Jolla, California, she continued to pursue her passions, working as a secretary/bookkeeper and earning a degree in social welfare from San Diego State University. With her daughters grown, Mary sought new horizons, settling in Yarnell, Arizona, where she found solace in writing, painting and community engagement.

Throughout her journey, Mary's heart remained tied to Hope Town, Bahamas. Returning in 1995, she became a founding member of the Hope Town Writers Circle and the Cay to Cay Art Group, leaving an indelible mark on the artistic and literary landscape of the community. Mary began work on a memoir titled Heels and Hose to Barefeet and Sandy Toes, documenting her first 12 years in Abaco, from 1957 to 1970.

Tragically, Hurricane Dorian dealt a devastating blow to Mary's beloved home on September 1, 2019, forcing her to seek refuge with family in Durham, North Carolina. Mary recounted, “Luckily I had taken the memoir file with me before the storm hit and was also able to access it from the cloud when I got a replacement computer.” Mary later met a neighbor who happened to be an editor and was willing to work with her to complete the manuscript. Even in the face of adversity, Mary continued to write, eagerly awaiting the day she could return to the place that holds her fondest memories and deepest connections.

Once the manuscript was completed, Mary sent it to White Sound Press, who accepted it for publication. The book remains available at numerous locations in Abaco, Bahamas, and at White Sound Press, based in Florida. Mary’s memoir is not just a recounting of her life's journey; it's a testament to the enduring power of hope, resilience and the unwavering bond between a woman and her cherished home. She has since made her way back to Hope Town and adds, “I'm 90 this year and still painting!”