In Loving Memory of

Shirley Jean Balderston

(Maiden: Nolan)
of Edmonton
Jun 21, 2012

 

It is with profound sadness that the family of Shirley Jean Balderston announces the passing of their beloved on June 21, 2012 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Shirley faced this challenge with tenacity and dignity. During her lifetime she helped others face similar challenges. Her strength and courage was an inspiration to all who knew her.
Shirley was born in Regina, Sask. and she graduated from the Regina General Hospital as a Registered Nurse in 1962. The same year she married Kenneth Balderston. They lived in Toronto and Brampton, Ontario for a few years and then they settled in Edmonton, Alberta in 1967 where they raised their two sons Monty and Dan. Shirley was a dedicated nurse, having worked at the Northern Western General in Toronto and then the Peel Memorial in Brampton. Shirley loved nursing and she continued her career at the Edmonton General, the Charles Camsell, and Capital Care Dickinsfield from the time it opened in 1979 until she retired in 2007.
Left to cherish her memory and celebrate her life are her husband, Ken, of 49 years, who was her dedicated caregiver during her illness, loving sons Monty (Trina) and Dan; her sisters Marian (Al) and Gloria and her brother Wayne (Sue). Cherished and adored grandchildren, Kadence and Matthew who helped to make her battle against cancer less onerous with their innocence, will also miss their loving and generous grandmother, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins and in-laws. Shadow, her devoted poodle, and Sadie, Shadow’s adopted bichon-shih tzu sister, will miss a key member of their audience as they provide comic relief with their doggie antics. Shirley was predeceased by her niece Paula’s husband, Jon Cairns in 2006 and her mother, Etta in 1986.
We are thankful to our wonderful extended family, friends, relatives and Shirley’s special nursing colleagues and dog agility friends whose unfailing support and love sustained her and our family throughout this ordeal.
The family would also like to thank Lori D., Homecare Caseworker Supervisor, for her expert care and attention to Shirley’s needs and a special thank you to the staff at the Norwood Hospice, especially Phu Phu and Dr. Barton who gave Shirley the caring assistance and professional expertise she deserved.
A Celebration of Shirley’s Life will be held on Wednesday, June 27, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at McClure United Church, 13708-74 St., Edmonton, Alberta.
Flowers are gratefully declined. If you so wish, donations may be made to the McClure United Church Memorial Fund.
"When someone you love becomes a memory the Memory Becomes a Treasure."