Obituary of Edna Balderston

Edna Balderston, beloved wife of the late Bertram Donald Balderston of Calgary, passed away on Tuesday, March 11, 2008 at the age of 83 years. It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and dearest friend, Edna May Balderston. Edna was born in Lancaster, England where she met her husband of forty-one years, Bert, while he was serving overseas in WWII. She immigrated to Canada as a war bride in 1947. She bravely travelled across Canada to begin her new life with Bert and his family in Banff, AB. During their lives together, Edna and Bert lived in Banff, Saskatoon, and Nelson and finally moved to Calgary, residing on the North Hill. Until his death in 1986, Edna and Bert travelled extensively in the United States, Hawaii and overseas, enjoying life to the fullest. Through curling, golf and their travels they forged many friendships that lasted until the end. Later in life, Edna found comfort and friendship with her partner of many years, Kenneth Brown who predeceased her in October of 2006. Edna and Ken had many happy adventures together. Edna had been trained as a seamstress in her early years and loved to sew for her grandchildren who she loved dearly, Carmen Grusie (Cam), Danni Martyn (Ryan), Michelle Grusie (Shane), David Balderston (Pam), and Darli McAulay (David) and her beloved ten great-grandchildren, Brayden, Bryson, Maddie, Joey, Jamie, Cody, Jordan, Sawyer, Cooper and Keetly. Edna found great joy in the company of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by her many friends and relatives both in Canada and in England but will be especially missed by her children, Michael Donald Balderston (Kathy) of Chestermere, Linda Mary Grusie (Colin) of Cochrane and Wesley Grant Balderston of Trail, BC. A Celebration of Edna’s Life will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Chapel of the Bells (2720 Centre Street North) on Monday, March 17, 2008 at 2:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Rosedale Hospice #920 – 7A Street NW, Calgary, AB T2M 3J3 Telephone: (403) 284 – 5195 or to the Canadian Cancer Society, 215 – 12 Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2G 1A2 Telephone: (403) 205-3966, email debbies@cancer.ab.ca. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. The family wishes to thank the staff and volunteers of Rosdale Hospice for the kindness and care given to their mother during her final days. In living memory of Edna Balderston, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH Telephone: (403) 276-2296