Grace Ballantyne

It is with a heavy heart that we announce that Grace Lorraine Ballantyne (Nee Malloy ) was called to Heaven on November 14th 2023 to join her loving husband Thomas Ballantyne who has been waiting for her since 2011.

Grace was a dedicated and loving wife and Mother to her four children Diane, Larry (1952-2006), Laura and David (wife Sharon).

Grace was always very involved with the church ensuring our timely attendance to church on Sunday. Sundays always included a nice Sunday dinner ….expectation on full family attendance. And we were. Mom encouraged us with her unwavering faith.

Grace grew up on Markham Street with her Aunt Grace and Grandma Malloy. Grace really liked living with her Grandma and her Aunt.

Grace Married Tom on June 28, 1947 at Saint Peter‘s Cathedral in Toronto and they went on to start their family. They loved bowling, curling, dancing and even competed in roller skating swing dances.

Grace with Tom were regular entertainment participants in Cedarbrae Golf Clubs talent show.

Grace attended Loretta Abbey Collegiate, and pursued to become an esteemed couturiere seamstress for over 40 years creating many Grace Ballantyne originals from couture bridal parties, christening and communion dresses, to Christmas stockings, reversible stuffed toys and the best teddy bears ever with movable limbs. Grace had an immense love for sewing.

Grace wasn’t shy to return the workforce after her children had grown. Grace became a sewing instructor in York region for over 20 years, a recognized Pfaff sales and service representative for over 20 years and an instructor. Grace even employed Tom for Pfaff maintenance.

Grace with Tom, golfed as much as they could yet always celebrating their wedding anniversary with their family.

Grace was a loving and creative Nanny to her grandchildren. Charlotte, Shawn, Adam , Josie, Shane, Tommy, Mike (Sharon’s son) and great-grandchildren Jahsiah, Cliodhna and Kaysin.

Grace, missed Tom terribly in the last 12 years, and was at peace knowing one day she would once again be with the love of her life. “Tom Terrific!” she would say.

A Brampton Quilters Guild Member and a former President of the Catholic Women’s League as an avid member for over 60 years.

Grace always kept close to her children and grandchildren. Never forgetting their birthday call and best wishes with God‘s blessings. Family was very important to Grace, including attending all/any family get-togethers.

Grace was very witty and always open to new knowledge, and an absolute pleasure to know.

Grace, Mom made it very clear before her passing that she had lived her life to the fullest with lots of love!

Mom asked not to be mourned or fretted over as she would say, and instead would encourage us to find comfort that she is at peace with Tom, and Larry and very happy.

God bless

Grace, Mom, Nanny.

We will miss you

Visitation for Grace is held on Wednesday, November 22, 2023 from 5:00pm – 8:00pm at the Kane-Jerrett Funeral Home (8088 Yonge St, Thornhill, ON). Funeral Mass for Grace will be held on Thursday, November 23, 2023 at 10am at St. Gabriel’s Church (670 Sheppard Ave E, North York, ON).

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kanejerrett-thornhill.ca for the Ballantyne family.