Obituary for Diana Joan Balitsky (Cassidy)
With great sadness we announce the passing of our dear mother, Diana Balitsky, of Brandon, Manitoba. During the early morning hours of Sunday, February 19, 2023, in her 85th year, after battling a number of health issues, Mom left peacefully in her sleep with family by her side. She will be missed.
Diana was born and schooled in Winnipeg. Being an only child, she developed great independence and imagination, fueled by her dreams and the Stars of the Silver Screen. The local cinemas provided an escape and inspiration that ignited a passion and appreciation for life that Mom never lost.
Post high school, she worked for Canadian National Telecommunications (CMT), before moving on to Trans-Canada Airlines (TCA) in Communications. During this time, she met her future husband, Michael, through close friends. They married in 1965 and Diana concentrated her efforts on her new home.
Together they raised two boys, enjoyed square dancing with friends in the Shilo Prairie Schooners, and made a good life. Summers were always spent with relatives and friends at the family farm north of Winnipeg. Gardening, playing cards, trips to the beach, bonfires, and star gazing filled the days.
Retirement in 1987 brought the family's home base to Brandon, where Mom and Dad kept the home fires burning. Throughout her life, Mom shared her many gifts and a special knack for making a house a home, solving problems, organizing chaos, and mending anything from torn pants to low spirits.
Diana was predeceased by her husband Michael in 2016 and mother Clementine in 2000. She is survived by both her sons, Mark and David. Diana treasured her many Cousins, In-Laws, and Friends, knowing some since childhood times, all of whom she proudly considered her family.
Diana will be laid to rest at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cemetery in Gull Lake this summer, where she and Michael will rest together. Mom's last request to everyone was simply, "Always Remember the Good Times". In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of choice.
The Family would like to thank the staff at the Assiniboine Center's Palliative Care Ward, for providing the best care possible, that gave Mom comfort over her final days. Thanks also to Dr. Seitz, Dr. Bushidi, and Dr. Gilmore for all their help.
Diana was born and schooled in Winnipeg. Being an only child, she developed great independence and imagination, fueled by her dreams and the Stars of the Silver Screen. The local cinemas provided an escape and inspiration that ignited a passion and appreciation for life that Mom never lost.
Post high school, she worked for Canadian National Telecommunications (CMT), before moving on to Trans-Canada Airlines (TCA) in Communications. During this time, she met her future husband, Michael, through close friends. They married in 1965 and Diana concentrated her efforts on her new home.
Together they raised two boys, enjoyed square dancing with friends in the Shilo Prairie Schooners, and made a good life. Summers were always spent with relatives and friends at the family farm north of Winnipeg. Gardening, playing cards, trips to the beach, bonfires, and star gazing filled the days.
Retirement in 1987 brought the family's home base to Brandon, where Mom and Dad kept the home fires burning. Throughout her life, Mom shared her many gifts and a special knack for making a house a home, solving problems, organizing chaos, and mending anything from torn pants to low spirits.
Diana was predeceased by her husband Michael in 2016 and mother Clementine in 2000. She is survived by both her sons, Mark and David. Diana treasured her many Cousins, In-Laws, and Friends, knowing some since childhood times, all of whom she proudly considered her family.
Diana will be laid to rest at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cemetery in Gull Lake this summer, where she and Michael will rest together. Mom's last request to everyone was simply, "Always Remember the Good Times". In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of choice.
The Family would like to thank the staff at the Assiniboine Center's Palliative Care Ward, for providing the best care possible, that gave Mom comfort over her final days. Thanks also to Dr. Seitz, Dr. Bushidi, and Dr. Gilmore for all their help.