News Summary Barbara Balch Colt, a renowned feminist and activist, has passed away at the age of 90. She is remembered for her contributions to politics and women’s rights in Rhode Island. A former Warwick City Council member and advocate for reproductive rights, Barbara’s legacy continues through her family and community involvement. A private service is planned, with a celebration of her life to follow. Warwick, RI – Barbara Balch Colt, a pioneering feminist and activist, passed away on September 10, 2025, at the age of 90. She is survived by her husband, Timothy (“Tim”) Pickering Colt, with whom she shared 67 years of marriage, and their four children: Elizabeth Colt, who is married to Kent Fields, Cynthia Colt, married to Sid Fernando, Timothy P. Colt, Jr., who is married to Lisa Sherman Colt, and Jonathan B. Colt. Barbara also leaves behind six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her grandson Johnny Fernando, her brother James Balch, and her sister Cynthia Barns. Barbara was born and raised in Utica, NY, to Richard H. and Elizabeth (Prescott) Balch. She graduated from Emma Willard School in 1953 before earning her degree from Mt. Holyoke College in 1957. In 1958, she married Tim Colt, and the couple settled in Warwick, RI, in 1966 after Tim took a job with the Providence Journal-Bulletin. Despite the challenges of raising four young children, Barbara pursued her education further, completing coursework in Urban Planning at the University of Rhode Island. In 1972, Barbara made history by winning a seat on the Warwick City Council as a Democrat in a predominantly Republican area. During her four-year tenure, she was the only woman serving on the council, earning a reputation for her fiscal oversight, earning the title “fiscal watchdog” from the Warwick Beacon. Notably, she created a buzz when she famously defeated then Mayor Joseph Walsh in a public tennis match. After leaving the City Council in 1977, Barbara continued her involvement in politics, contributing to various campaigns. She was a member of the National Women’s Political Caucus and advocated for women’s reproductive choices during the late 1960s. Barbara served on the Board of the 2:1 Coalition to Preserve Choice and was also the President of Planned Parenthood of Rhode Island for several years. In her later years, she supported The Womxn Project, focusing on reproductive freedom, gender equity, and LGBTQ+ rights in Rhode Island. Barbara also held the position of Executive Director of the Rhode Island Community Health Centers, where she was instrumental in establishing the Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island. She retired from this role in 2001. Her dedication to the community did not stop there; she served on the Board of the Women’s Development Corporation for over thirty years and had long-term involvement with the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council and the Board of Directors of Butler Hospital. After her retirement, Barbara and Tim traveled extensively, enjoying visits to the beach and indulging in ice cream along the way. Barbara was a passionate reader and skilled knitter, creating sweaters and holiday hats for her grandchildren. She was involved with the Handicraft Club, where she later served as treasurer, and enjoyed painting, stenciling, and needlepoint crafts. A fan of the Rhode Island Philharmonic and live theater, Barbara was known for her warmth, distinctive laugh, dry wit, and enthusiasm for family celebrations. A private Committal Service will be handled by THE URQUHART-MURPHY FUNERAL HOME in Warwick. The family plans to hold a Celebration of Barbara’s Life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Planned Parenthood or The Womxn Project. Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic HERE Resources Additional Resources Warwick Online: Barbara Balch Colt Wikipedia: Feminism Warwick Online: Remembering Barbara Balch Colt Google Search: Barbara Balch Colt Warwick Online: Political Legacy of Barbara Balch Colt Google Scholar: Feminist Activism Warwick Online: Community Involvement of Barbara Balch Colt Encyclopedia Britannica: Reproductive Rights Warwick Online: Family Life of Barbara Balch Colt Google News: Barbara Balch Colt
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