OBITUARY
Evelyn June Balen
October 12, 1930 – November 22, 2018
BALEN, Evelyn June (nee Solberg)
October 12, 1930 – November 22, 2018
It is with profound sadness and broken hearts that we announce the peaceful passing
of our beloved Mom, Nana, Besta and sister, Evelyn Balen, on Thursday, November 22,
2018, surrounded by her loving family. Mom, the eldest of three daughters, was born in
Vancouver, BC to Einara and Jorgen Solberg. She was predeceased by her loving
husband Nicholas in 1993.
Mom will be lovingly remembered by her children Donna (Garnet), Lynn (Kjell), Jeff
(Nadine) and treasured grandchildren Aaron (Karen), Jeremy (Rachelle), Elisse, Justine
and Erik. Evelyn will also be dearly missed by her sisters Lila and Sylvia, their families
and extended family in Alberta, Illinois and Norway.
Up until Mom entered Lonsdale Elementary, only Norwegian was spoken in the home
to foster an appreciation of her Norwegian heritage. Mom did well with her academics
and actively participated in many sports. Affectionately known as “Sol, » Mom was the
victorious captain of the Intermediate Girls Grass Hockey team at North Vancouver
High School, graduating in 1948. Following the untimely death of her father at the age
of 46 in 1949, Evelyn chose to enter the work force to help support her mother and two
younger sisters. Mom worked in the office of the National Fish Company in Vancouver.
Our father worked as a commercial fisherman at that time and it was through their work
that they met.
Mom and Dad were married on October 10, 1953, in the North Shore Lutheran Church.
With the loving support of her mother Einara, Mom returned to school in 1968,
attending Vancouver Vocational Institute to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).
Mom started working full time at Lions Gate Hospital in 1969. She worked on a variety
of wards during her 26 year nursing career, retiring from 7 West (Palliative Care) in
1995. Mom truly loved her career as an LPN. She valued her work colleagues and
treasured the friendships she developed during these years.
There were many treasured times as a family. With her devoted husband Nick by her
side, and three young children in tow, our family hit the road looking for summer
vacation adventures which often included boating, camping and fishing; showcasing
our wonderful province which Mom so loved.
As a couple, Mom and Dad enjoyed touring the Okanagan, Queen Charlottes and
Alaska. Extensive travel throughout Europe on a number of occasions included
destinations with significant cultural meaning; Norway and Yugoslavia. After Dad
passed away Mom continued to travel with her children, family and friends.
Mom’s love for her family was always her first priority. She was actively involved with
her children and grandchildren throughout her life. Her five grandchildren have many
cherished memories of their remarkable Nana/Besta that will remain in their hearts
forever. Mom remained independent, continued to drive and looked after her own
home until her passing.
Mom’s many interests included gardening, crossword puzzles, knitting, reading, world
news and events, her backyard birds, baking and her home made jams & jellies. Mom
was an ardent Canucks and BC Lions fan. Monthly retired LPN and Scandinavian
Seniors luncheons and time spent volunteering at the Scandinavian Centre, were
among her favoured activities. Mom was well known for her delicious Norwegian heart
shaped waffles, earning her the nickname, “The Waffle Lady”. Mom was proud of her
Norwegian heritage and had a true sense of belonging within the local Norwegian
Community.
In keeping with Evelyn’s wishes, there will be no funeral service.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in Evelyn’s memory please
consider Normanna Rest Home or Norwegian House Society, organizations that were
dear to her heart.
Rest peacefully Mom. We take comfort in knowing Dad and you are together again.
Your loving spirit will live on in our hearts forever.
We love you Mom.
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Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Evelyn June Balen 2018..
Source:First Memorial Funeral Services & Boal Chapel and Memorial Gardens
Décès pour la Ville: north-Vancouver, Province: Colombie britanique