Nancy Victoria Balaban

It is with profound sadness that we said goodbye to our mom on the morning of March 28th after a short, sudden illness. Mom fought bravely, unfortunately for this last battle she wasn’t quite strong enough.

She was surrounded by love and family. She was the best hugger and loved with her whole heart. She will be missed more than words can ever say. In this moment of grief, the one person we would always turn to is not here to hug us.

Survived by her daughter Heather (Mike) Olsen, beloved granddaughter Karyna, her son Graham Balaban, brother Bryan Rogers, sister/friend Elaine Van Doorn-Smith of Georgetown and her close friend Barb Rau. She will be missed by many nieces and nephews.

Nancy graduated from Ryerson Polytechnical Institute with a Laboratory Technologist Diploma in Laboratory Science, with a general option from the Chemical Department.

Her love for animals began at an early age. In the 1960s, she spent her weekends horse-back riding, and her love of horses never diminished. Over the years she shared her life with many beloved dogs, her grand-dog Tuxie is going to miss her.

Muskoka was Nancy's happy place, spending many happy times with friends and family at the cottage.

She was a true handywoman, always ready to take on any household project with creativity and skill. She loved keeping her mind active through reading, crafting (sending handmade cards for any occasion) crosswords, and Sudoku.

Charismatic and warm, Nancy made friends easily. She was loving and fiercely loyal, an attentive listener, and someone others found easy to approach. She cherished tea dates with Karyna and lunch outings with friends. Always ready with a hug or encouraging word.

The family would like to thank the amazing support team at WRHN at Queens Blvd. CCU for making her last days comfortable.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to any of the following organizations: Canadian Cancer Society, Canadian Diabetes Association or Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held at Westmount Memorial Celebration Centre, 1001 Ottawa St. S., Kitchener, on Saturday, May 2, from 1–3 p.m., where family and friends are invited to share stories and memories of Nancy.