Tuesday, May 28, 2019
Marcella Balezantis Eulogy
Anyone who has had the privilege to know our Mom has instantly called her their friend with her infectious smile and kind welcoming personality. I can’t help but think about the lyrics to the song of the Mary Tyler Moore show “Who can turn the world on with her smile”. For her, this extended to all creatures large and small. She loved her dogs, cats, chipmunks, birds and all the neighbor’s pets. At Christmas even the pets received carefully wrapped gifts. When she eventually moved into the nursing home the resident pets instantly became her friends.
Mom was born on a farm near Hubbard, SK on November 15, 1937. She lived and attended school in Hubbard until she moved to Saskatoon to attend University in 1955 to pursue a degree in Pharmacy. She met our Dad, an Engineering student and they got married in 1960. She put her education on hold to raise their 3 children. At age 45 she went back to school, completed her Pharmacy degree and graduated in 1982. This was not easy, she exceeded at her studies while taking care of her family at the same time. I remember her trying to study and write reports in the evenings on our dining room table in a loud and busy household. Mom was a successful Pharmacist and managed White’s Pharmacy for the majority of her career. She was your favourite community pharmacist who took her job and the welfare of her patients very seriously. She took an interest in her patients, knew them well, and many of them became her friends. She was a strong advocate for her patients. Her dedication was amazing. Dad recalls one night when she drove back to the pharmacy at midnight to make sure the store was locked. Another time, her car slid into the ditch while driving to work. Not to worry, she acquired super-human strength and was able to push her car out of the icy ditch to ensure she arrived to work on time.
Mom was a very determined person. Her strong work ethic ensured that she achieved her goals. When she set out to do something, she made it happen and had high standards for herself and her family. Getting her driver’s licence in her 30s and her degree in her 40s are just two examples.
Her children and grand children were her greatest joy. Mom (along with Dad) was our biggest cheerleader, supporting us and our children in our activities and achievements. They never missed a track meet, ball game, or a graduation. She could always be counted on to help us through our worries putting us and others before herself. She was proud of her family and took every opportunity to introduce her children and grand children to new people she met and the staff in the nursing home and hospital.
Gardening and flowers were Mom’s hobbies. She could name any flower or plant. Each spring she could hardly wait for the first warm weekend in May to begin planting her garden. It was always carefully weeded and a all of us benefited from the fresh produce that was so carefully harvested. Mom also enjoyed bowling, camping, bocce ball and other games. Her specialty, by far, was scrabble. Mom was the scrabble queen. She could beat the best - including computer programs. I will miss my Words with Friends scrabble games that mom and I had going on a regular basis.
Planning and hosting family gatherings for special occasions such as Christmas and birthdays was very important to Mom. She made sure everything was just right from carefully thought out meals to the perfect gift.
Who can forget Mom’s specialties. I remember fondly as a kid coming home from school at lunch on a cold winter day to a nice hot lunch. My favourite was rice pancakes and raspberry fruit from her garden. Her fruit cake at Christmas was the best - perfectly aged and well crafted. Mom would prepare our favourites on our birthdays – mine was rice pudding with custard on top. And what about her famous mushroom sauce and homemade doughnuts. Even on camping trips we recall a roast beef dinner complete with all the fixings. Mom worked hard. She would come home from a long day at work and prepare a delicious meal for a large group of guests. Each one of us kids received a well-planned surprise birthday party when we turned 50. These are all things we will never forget.
Mom was practical and had a sharp memory. Even in her final days she was providing details of dates and events that none of us could remember.
Before Mom’s own illness, she cared for her mother, her mother-in-law, her two sisters, and a brother-in-law supporting them through their illnesses.
Mom was a very busy and active person. When she was diagnosed with MS in her 60s, it was a hard blow and forced her to slow down a bit. She held her head high, kept a positive attitude and made the most of her situation. Almost 4 years ago when she was diagnosed with lung cancer it was devastating. Again, she kept a positive attitude fighting it all the way. It made her very frustrated and sad when she could no longer do things for herself. Dad has never left her side and has been her caretaker during her illness. He moved into a companion suite with her at Samaritan Place when Mom needed additional support and care. He has been her rock just as she has been his rock. I am deeply impressed by the bond and love that my parents share. Mom was courageous to the end and never gave up. Now she is at peace. No more suffering. When I reflect on her life, it makes me want to be a better person. We love you so very much Mom, miss you greatly, and will see you again some day.
