Sorry for your loss Christie and our deepest sympathy to you and to your family. It is so sad to lose a mother especially if she's a remarkable one. I met her on very few occasions but still remember her as if it was yesterday. Her smile, her eyes and specially her side braid...
I'm glad I met her and once again we present my husband and I our condolences to the family

To my 2nd cousins. I wish I could be there to celebrate the wonderful life that was Maria's. I have so many fond memories of vacations in Galveston and visits to Maria's home in Houston. I always thought her long braided hair was so beautiful. I miss her wonderful smile. I wish I had been able to see her more in my adult years. I know you will miss her a lot, but I hope your thoughts will always be sprinkled with the joy of her memory and the thoughts of her dancing in heaven.

Cynthia Katina Clegg Ling

Mama Ballantyne was such a giant figure in all of our lives. I remember laughing and teasing with her so many times, and always she looked me straight in the eye. She cared, she registered with me and she changed my life. To George, Lisa, Christie and all the Family, she was very special to me, too. Love to all of you.
Doug Johnston

YiaYia was one of a kind. Everytime I saw her it put the hugest smile on my face. I'm going to miss her a lot. My thoughts and prayers with the family.

Such a sweet lady who always made me feel welcome when our paths crossed. Our sympathy to all the family who have such a wonderful heritage to live up to.
Sally and Harold Maddocks

Maria was as refreshingly direct and honest as she was kind, generous, and gracious. Those legions of us who were privileged to be house guests of the family over the past half century knew her as a unique lady who brought her sense of faith, family, fun and special consideration to all around her. I remember that the Ballantyne house was always filled with active sports-minded kids and friends with plans for community service, music, and very warm hospitality.

Our condolences to your entire family. Your mother was a beautiful woman and a great friend to my parents. She will be remembered fondly.
Yours truly, Patricia Diamonon Morris

I'm truly sorry for your loss and my deepest sympathy. May God bless you all and hold you close and help you through this difficult time. Keeping you in my prayers.

As a retired MDACC OR nurse, I spent many ours in the OR with your charming father and have great memories of your lovely mother.  I had the honor of meeting her on several occasions and speaking to her on the phone many times.   She was an elegant beautiful lady who loved her family with passion.  I know you will miss her.   I will keep you all in my prayers.   Kim Vidor

My deepest condolences on the loss of your Mom. I think of her with great fondness, and will forever remember her warmth and beauty. My thoughts are with your family at this difficult time.

Your childhood friend,
Pauline Turboff

I loved maria.  Loved her signature side braid and sailor's vernacular.  There was an originality and genuineness that just made you feel cared about.  Her love of her children was fierce and true.  I envy all of you.  Truthfully, i try to parent the same way.  Strong, loving, fierce, joyous, and a swift swat if needed.  Welcome home maria, well done good and faithful servant.

I was sad to learn of Maria's death.  She and Dr. Ballantyne were a great team.  My sympathy to the family.

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

The surviving Ed Hall family (Richard & Carolyn, Libby, Kathy & Herman) will dearly miss our friend and adopted family matriarch, Maria. We have been very good friends since those days on Oakmont. I always tried to drop by to visit with Maria when I could and it was always a treat. I loved her like my mother. We all offer our prayers and condolences to all of the Ballantyne clan at this time of sorrow. 
Richard and Carolyn Hall

We had the good fortune of being Mrs. Ballantyne's neighbor for 20 wonderful years. We will miss her greatly.

One of the most graceful and impressive women I've ever known.  I envied you, Katina, that she was your mom.  Condolences to the entire family.

Loved the obituary. Loved being in the Ballantyne home when I was young. My sympathy to the 7 and all the offspring.

Marina,  worked with you during formation of John Cooper school &  enjoyed every minute. Please accept my condolences & prayers. With God's love,  Nancy Robinson Gonzalez

One of the sweetest women I've known.....a great loss.....prayers for the family.

We feel so blessed to have had her in our lives and for so long. As our Aunt Maria, where family meant more than anything, then as part of her "adopted family", she was an example for all of us to live life to the fullest!! It was always a Joy to be around her with that twinkle in her eye and her spunky personality even into her final days!! We will miss her so much!!! Memories of her will live on forever!! Janie and Dick DeGuerin

We used to live right down the block from your family when you lived on Oakmont Street, and I always thought your mom was the most gorgeous, sweetest woman I had ever met. Your home was like a second home for the six of us. 

I'm so sorry for your loss, and am only sorry we didn't stay in touch over the last 55-60 years. God be with all of you.

Gene Turboff

My heartfelt condolences to your entire family.

Bruce M. McIntyre

I speak for the "adopted" Virginia relatives when I say that when my family gained a new member through marriage, Mark Mitchell McDonald (Maria's grandson), we gained entry into a very loving, generous family.  We are so blessed to have known Maria for the time that we did.  I am so glad that half of the Virginia clan was able to visit with her just before the Christmas holiday.  Our thoughts and prayers are with her immediate and extended family at this time.  All I can say is"What a woman!"  Tracy Havermann

Angela, Mitch and family - So sorry to hear of the loss of this amazing woman.

What a love! What a wit! What a beauty! Just loved her, Josanna and Bo

So sorry to hear of your mother's passing, Dana.  Losing a parent is very difficult and you have my prayers and sympathy.  I unfortunately am leaving Sunday afternoon on business, so will not be able to attend the visitation or the service, but my thoughts will be with you and your family.

My Parents, Vernon & Mary Ann loved Aunt Maria and I know they had a great reunion.   I always loved her strong spirit and have great child hood memories of Aunt Maria and Uncle J in Galveston.

sad to hear of your mom's passing, Christie.  what a woman she was. she'll leave a big gap, tho some of it will be filled by countless memories and such a legacy!  peg tausend woody

My prayers and sympathy to the family and friends of Maria Ballantyne.  She will be missed by many.

Cindy Dean
Cravens Warren

OBITUARY

Maria Mitchell Ballantyne

25 December, 1920 – 25 May, 2015

Forest Park Lawndale

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