MARIA (MARY) BALAK

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MARIA (MARY) BALAK Maria Balak passed away after a brief illness at Victoria General Hospital in Winnipeg, Manitoba on September 15, 2014 with her family by her side. She was in her 88th year. Maria was born June 1, 1926 in the RM of Ethelbert, Manitoba. She was one of thirteen children. Growing up on the farm around the Garland area she was always active in the garden, field or taking care of the younger siblings. Mom decided she wanted to be a nurse. She had a nurturing caring way about her. She worked in the hospital in Ethelbert for awhile. She later returned to Winnipeg and had the opportunity to work at several hospitals and personal care homes until her retirement in 1985. Mom married Dad October 18, 1956 in Winnipeg Manitoba. They returned to the farm in Ashville and in 1961 they had a daughter. Mom and daughter went to Winnipeg in 1964 for work and school. Dad remained on the farm. Weekends, vacations and summer holidays were spent on the farm. Mom was an active gardener and was always looking for wild cranberries, mushrooms or whatever was in season. She loved to can and was always so proud of her filled jars full of dills, beets, fruit, sauerkraut and relishes. The freezer was usually full of baking as well. Mom was a fantastic baker. She made her own pie crust and bread as often as she could. There was nothing better than a fresh bun and a cup of tea. Pie crust was always at the ready for the next Saskatoon, apple or blueberry pie. In her retirement in 1985 she returned to the farm where she spent her time planting her vegetable and flower gardens. She spent time in the winter feeding the birds and both her and Dad enjoyed watching the various birds that came every winter and the wild life that walked past the house. Mom and Dad moved to Winnipeg in 2011 where Mom continued her canning and baking ways. Often those who came went away with perogies, a jar of soup or even a pie. Mom remained active until a short time before her death. Her strength and caring ways will be missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her husband Jerry and her daughter Victoria and one remaining sister Anne in Vancouver. She was predeceased by numerous brothers, sisters and her parents. If friends so desire donations can be made in her memory to The Heart and Stroke Foundation or The Lung Association. Rest in peace Mom.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 18, 2014