Ballard-Durand Funeral & Cremation Services

08/05/2026

This summer, enjoy a delicious meal on us while discovering how pre-planning can ease the burden on your loved ones. We can’t wait to see you there!
📍 Multiple dates & locations across Westchester County
📞 First-time attendees only — RSVP at (914) 688-6611

08/04/2026

Heidi Balmer Andersen

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08/04/2026

When a family decides to open their own business – be it a restaurant, a bookstore, or a funeral home – they put their hearts and souls into their work. They rely on positive word of mouth to expand and find new customers. Neighbors telling neighbors about a positive experience. Locals who recommend products or services to their friends, family, and coworkers.
That was certainly the case for Ballard Funeral Home founder Arthur Ballard when he opened the Ballard-Funeral Home in New York City in 1932 and moved to the old White Plains neighborhood on Cromwell Avenue in the 1930's. He worked hard to build a business he could be proud of, instilling in his community a strong sense of values and a passion for giving back.

Today Ballard-Durand Funeral & Cremation Services has grown to three convenient locations in Westchester and is still independently and locally owned and has been for almost 10 decades. Faith and Family are as important to us as it is to you.

When you come to Ballard-Durand, you can expect a personal touch. Families in Lower Westchester who need assistance planning a funeral, burial, and cremation deserve the help of professionals who understand their culture, lifestyle, and values. Because of our local roots, that’s the kind of care we provide. We are passionate about helping those who come to us because they are our friends, our neighbors, and a part of our community.

The families we serve mean everything to us. It goes without saying that a corporate-owned funeral home cannot possibly invest in families the same way as a family-owned funeral home. After all, our hands-on approach at Ballard-Durand is all about you – not meeting quotas or increasing merchandise sales. We know our success depends on how we treat each family we serve. We are connected to the day-to-day happenings and truly care about each person who picks up the phone to contact us or walks through our doors.

We put thought into everything we do. When Arthur Ballard opened our Maple Avenue funeral home, nearly a century ago it was the first of its kind designated for specific funeral purpose only. The time, care, and dedication this took reflected his personal investment along with his passion for helping families in our community. Arthur knew how much the details matter when planning a final farewell, and his example of hard work and thoughtfulness was passed down to us.

We are active members of our community. Ballard-Durand gives back to many organizations in our community from sponsoring local fundraising for the Hospice of Westchester, to volunteering. Matthew Fiorillo our owner, has set the precedent for what it means to “give back” – and the rest of our caring team has followed suit! Helping others means everything to us and we are privileged that we can do so both within our community and here at the funeral home during some of life’s most difficult moments.

The difference between us and other funeral homes is trust. Keeping your confidence is our deepest commitment. We are caring, experienced professionals dedicated to handling every detail with precision.

At Ballard-Durand, we are proud of our story, our history of service, and carrying on the legacy of care and compassion. If you need our assistance now or are considering putting your own funeral plans in place ahead of time, we are here to help. Assisting our neighbors in our community isn’t a job to us – it is our calling. We consider it an honor to be there for families like yours.

08/03/2026

Loretta Rock

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08/02/2026

Kofoworola O. Kola-Olugboye

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08/02/2026

Elva Nase

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Elva (Vuksani) Nase, who entered eternal rest peacefully on July 31, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She was 75 years old.

Born on May 13, 1951, in Shkodër, Albania, Elva was the first daughter of the late Shqiponja and Lin Vuksani. She built a life centered on family, hard work and compassion, touching the lives of everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

Elva will be remembered for her unconditional love, her remarkable strength, her generosity, and her kind spirit. She is survived by her husband of 53 years, her children, grandchildren, sisters, and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends, all of whom will forever treasure her memory and the love she shared so freely.

Her family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all who have offered prayers, love, and support during this difficult time. Elva's memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved her, and her legacy of love, kindness, and devotion to family will never be forgotten.

May she rest in eternal peace.

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07/31/2026

James John Norris

In Loving Memory of

James John Norris ❤️

January 5, 1980 -July 12, 2026

A 11:00 am Memorial Mass will be held on August 14th at Holy Name of Jesus

2 Broadway, Valhalla, NY.

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of James Norris, who departed on July 12, 2026 at the age of 46.

Jay was a devoted son, a caring brother , brother-in-law and a cherished uncle whose kindness, warmth, and generous spirit touched the lives of everyone who knew him. He found great joy in spending time with his family, creating lasting memories, and offering love and support whenever it was needed.

He is survived by his loving father, Jimmy Norris; Diane,his siblings, Dina and Stephanie; his brother-in-laws Eddie and Bobby, his beloved nieces and nephew, Justin, Alyssa, and Brianna, who brought him immense pride and happiness; along with many extended family members and dear friends who will forever treasure his memory.

He is also lovingly reunited in heaven with his devoted mother, Eleanore, who was his world. She was his greatest source of love and comfort in Jay's life, and she will be there with open arms to welcome him home.

Though Jay's time with us was far too short, the love he shared and the lives he touched will remain in our hearts forever.

Forever loved, deeply missed, and never forgotten.

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07/30/2026

Robin Patrice Austin

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." - John 3:16

Robin Patrice Austin was born on December 27th, 1956, to the late Melvin Austin and Dorothy M. Austin in White Plains, New York. Robin was a proud graduate of White Plains High School, Class of 1975.

Following her graduation, she began her career with Arrow/Zeus Electronics in White Plains, New York, where she dedicated 25 years of faithful service. She furthered her education by attending Westchester Business School in White Plains, New York. After her years of service at Arrow/Zeus Electronics, Robin took time to travel and enjoy life.

She later joined White Plains Hospital, where she worked in the Radiology Department for 10 years before retiring. Robin was active in her community, serving as Vice President of the Windsor Terrace Cooperative Apartments in White Plains, New York. She was also a proud member of the White Plains High School Bengalettes. Robin accepted the Lord Jesus Christ at an early age under the leadership of Reverend Lester Cousin.

On Sunday, July 26th, 2026, Robin peacefully departed this life at Grove Rehabilitation Center in Valhalla, New York. Robin leaves to cherish her precious memory her devoted companion, Rocky Davis of Atlanta, Georgia; her beloved sister, Saundra (Elmer Garvin) of White Plains; three loving aunts, Christine Tolliver and Burnell Austin, both of White Plains, and Lenore "Molly" Thomas of Perth Amboy, New Jersey; one loving uncle, Rodney Lewis of Florida; special friends Wanda Mack, Carol Brice, and Carolyn Austin, all of White Plains; Denise Austin of Washington, D.C.; Victor Davis of White Plains, 225 Grove St. - 9th Floor Families along with a host of cousins, extended family, and dear friends.

Robin will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her gentle spirit, and the kindness and love she shared with everyone whose life she touched. Though she has departed this earthly life, her legacy and the memories she created will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Acknowledgement

The family of the late Robin Patrice Austin wishes to express their heartfelt thanks and sincere appreciation for all acts of kindness, love, and support extended to them during their time of bereavement. May God continue to richly bless each of you for your prayers, comforting words, and thoughtful expressions of sympathy.

Lovingly submitted,

The Austin Family.

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07/29/2026

Dwayne Brugger

How does one describe Dwayne Brugger in one paragraph. To know him was to love him. A man of many talents., many many friends, so VERY many stories... but ONE HUGE GINORMOUS heart.

And he loved with ALLLL of his heart. He worked hard, He played hard BUT he loved even harder.

To me, he was my everything ... and he said the same vice versa....

To those of you who said they wanted to see him prior to his passing, I apologize, but that is not what he wanted. He made it very clear that he wanted everyone to remember him the way that they saw him/ spoke to him or remembered him last.

He loved each and everyone of you. And EVERYONE one of you had a part in him becoming who he was.

A man of MANY hardships, but turned everything into a positive somehow someway he loved hard, he kept the

faith and he kept pushing, and he pushed and pushed and made himself who he was...

an absolute LEGEND...

In lieu of flowers please donate to SPCA of Westchester... in Dwayne's name & honor...

(Love you forever... KP)

A Memorial Service will be held Sunday, August 9, from 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM at the Hawthorne Funeral Home, please dress casually.

There will be a barbeque following the service at Broadway field, all are welcome, as he wanted you all to join him at barbeques he used to host.

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