Obituary of Margaret Skeet

SKEET, Margaret (nee Ballak)

August 1, 1940 - Coleman, Alberta

October 26, 2021 - Calgary, Alberta

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Marg Skeet, of Calgary, AB, on Tuesday, October 26, 2021, at the age of 81 years.

Born to Alzbeta and Martin Ballak in Coleman, AB, Marg grew up in Magrath. She completed secretarial college in Lethbridge, and eventually moved to Calgary to work at John Deere. She learned the value of hard work in those years, and it was passed on to her family.

Marg met the love of her life, Leslie Skeet, and they married in 1962. She spent some years at home to raise a family. As her children grew up, Marg was active in the Southwood Community, and especially at her children’s schools—volunteering, chaperoning, and fundraising. Marg returned to work as an administrative assistant and finished her career at Jager Homes.

Marg truly enjoyed retirement—gardening at her cabin in Fairmont, B.C., fishing with her husband, cruising the world, exploring 75 countries, and always prioritizing time with her family. In her later years, Marg was taken by dementia and Parkinson’s disease. These are neither kind nor forgiving diseases, and slowly take away the person who existed. However, throughout her battle (and she battled well!) Marg was always patient, kind and loving to those who were around her. This is a testament to who she was deep in her soul.

Marg is now in a better place with her Lord.

Marg is survived by her husband, Leslie of fifty-nine years; sons, Brad (Karen) and Tim (Lana); brother, Louis Ballak (Theresa); extended family and many friends, all with whom she enjoyed visiting and sharing many laughs!

She was predeceased by her parents, Alzbeta and Martin Ballak; and sisters, Martha and Elizabeth.

A Celebration of Marg’s Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Friday, November 5 at 2:00 PM. Those attending will be asked to confirm one of the following, (A) COVID vaccination (date requested), OR (B) a negative COVID test (within 72 hours), OR (C) Medical exemption AND valid government identification (with name & date of birth) OR (D) Under 12 years of age. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

As a family, we would like to send special thanks to the Southwood Care Centre. The individuals who work in this facility will always hold a special place in our hearts for treating our wife and mom with care, love, and dignity each day. We ask people to consider volunteering at a care facility to aid in the excellent work that these people do daily.

In living memory of Margaret Skeet, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575