MARIA WALBURN

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

MARIA (RUTH) WALBURN (nee BADALI) September 15, 1923 - October 6, 2016 Peacefully, at Queen's Garden Long-Term Care Residence in Hamilton, Ontario. Ruth was the youngest of seven children born to Maria (nee Azzarella) and Augustino Badali. Her parents, both from Termini Imerezi, Sicily, had immigrated separately to Canada and married in Winnipeg, the city of Ruth's birth. Hired in her early twenties by Phillips-Gutkin Advertising Agency as receptionist/secretary, Ruth was occasionally asked to step in as a model for preliminary ad sketches or to photo-model hats, coats and gloves. Her future husband Gordon was an announcer for a radio station located on a different floor in the same building. Often passing each other on the stairwell, their friendly encounters led to an eventual courtship. In 1951, Gordon accepted a job with Saskatoon radio station CKOM and following their marriage, the two honeymooners boarded a train for the city they would make their home. Ruth and Gordon welcomed first daughter Carolyn Ruth in 1952 and four years later, Sylvia Margaret. Ruth was a loving mother and a truly amazing home-maker. She was also an invaluable helper to Gordon, as his eyesight declined and, in later years, his dedicated and determined care-giver. Though serious by nature, Ruth enjoyed happy music and dancing. Her sunny side also burst forth when in the company of dear friends and relatives. Thrilled by the arrival of her grandchildren (Matthew and Sylvia, born to Carol and husband Zach Douglas, now of Dundas, ON, and Evan and Will, sons of Sylvia and husband Glenn Countryman, of Comox, BC), she doted on them during all visits. The Walburn's moved back to Winnipeg in 2010. Some months after Gordon's passing in July of 2012, Ruth relocated to Hamilton to be close to Carol and her family. She could still look forward to the long-standing annual visit by Sylvia. Ruth will be sadly missed by surviving family and friends. In lieu of a funeral service, a small gathering for fond remembrance will be held in Winnipeg during May of next year. Ruth's ashes will be interred with Gordon at Chapel Lawn Cemetery. Memories and Condolences may be left at www.circleoflifecbc.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 15, 2016