Myrna was born in Hanna, Alberta to Louis and Delia Campbell (nee Quast). She was the youngest child and sister to John (Alvin) Campbell. The family eventually moved to Calgary in search of a better life. This move was the beginning of many of Myrna’s lifelong friendships.
Her father became a traveling salesman with his grade eight education and it took the family to Missoula, Montana and, eventually Kansas City, Missouri and then back to Calgary.
Myrna graduated from High School in Billings, Montana in 1961. She then attended The University of Montana in Missoula, Montana where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and minor in Religious Studies in 1966. She was one of two women to graduate from that program in her class.
Myrna went on to become a Fashion Buyer for the Hudson’s Bay Company and was based in Vancouver, B.C. She loved her career and bought women’s clothing and accessories for the West Coast and the Prairie provinces until an illness caused her to take a leave. Myrna always had a keen sense of fashion and that continued in her elegant style of dress and her love of hats.
She returned home to Calgary to live with her parents. They were in the process of designing and building their dream home and happened to hire a young Architect named Renato (Rick) Balbi. Sparks flew and the two were married in Calgary on August 19, 1972.
Myrna helped Rick to start his own architectural company by tackling all of the jobs - cleaning, reception, bookkeeping...you name it. They went on to have two daughters, Louisa and Delia. Myrna elegantly juggled raising her daughters and helping Rick out with the firm.
Myrna was a very warm, kind and generous woman. She was a fabulous conversationalist and always knew the right words at the right time. She was wonderful with children, especially those that needed encouragement or extra attention.
She was very diligent in sending heartfelt letters, cards, thank you notes and gifts. We will all miss her letters and packages. She was very organized and never missed a birthday or anniversary. Don’t be surprised if some of you who knew her get a card in the mail on an important date as she indicated on her calendar that she had completed her correspondence to be mailed out to the end of July, 2021.
She loved classic movies, British programming and Murder She Wrote. She would have been a best friend and assistant of Jessica Fletcher and could have become a resident of Cabot Cove.
Myrna was an accomplished traveler and loved to go on cruises with family and friends.
Myrna believed in education and was a great supporter of her family and friends. She took a vested interest in everything her daughters did and was always involved in school programs and family interests. We will miss that Cheerleader of ours!
She had a great sense of humour and every Christmas would mail out a letter detailing the successes and failures of our family. People loved them and looked forward to them, however, she never let her family read them so we could not tell you how good they were.
She was one of a kind and a joyful and beautiful presence in her family and friends’ lives and she will be dearly missed. She was a woman of wisdom and conviction, was the life of any party, her smile lit up every room and she was willing to try anything. Myrna was so brave and incredibly strong.
Myrna is survived by her husband of 49 years, Renato “Rick”, Balbi; her daughter Louisa Balbi of Kimberly, B.C.; her daughter Delia Balbi Wieser (Mike) of Foothills, A.B. and numerous wonderful friends and family. We would like to acknowledge some of her lifelong friends that we all consider family: Ardel Alexander (Dwayne), Carole Worsoff (Michael), Isabelle and Bruce Klaiber, Thomas Campbell, Betty Jo and Gary Horton, David and Sonia Bickman, John and Marlene Chorny and Esther Valerio.
We are sorry if we missed anyone but know that she treasured each and every family member and friend.
We would like to thank the medical team at The Rockyview General Hospital on Unit 83, especially Alex, and the ICU team, Dr. Ken Parhar, Dr. Chip Doig and Dr. Brian Yipp. Special thanks to the nurses and respiratory therapists. Thank you for playing Jeopardy with Myrna, humming along to her classic country playlists, encouraging her sass and loving her sparkle.
At Myrna’s request there will be no formal service. Cremation has taken place and we will make arrangements for a celebration of life in the future. Myrna would appreciate a donation in her honour to a charity of your choosing.
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