Obituary For Catherine Jane Balcom
November 1, 1951 – February 1, 2021
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the family announces the passing of Catherine Jane Schrader Balcom with her husband Jerry by her side and holding her hand on February 1, 2021 at the QEII Hospital in Grande Prairie, Alberta after a long battle with diabetes.
Catherine was born on November 1, 1951 in Liverpool, Nova Scotia to Everett and Emmeline Schrader. Cathy married her husband Gerald Balcom on April 24, 1971 in Liverpool NS; they moved to Grande Prairie AB in 1973. Together they have 3 children and 6 grandchildren.
Those who remember Cathy as, “Chatty Cathy” will remember her throwing bowling balls halfway down the lanes on Friday night leagues. You always knew Chatty Cathy was in the building by the loudness of her voice, her laugh, and the way she was able to make everyone feel comfortable and special as if they were family.
Cathy worked at the Trumpeter Motor Inn for 10 years. She loved bowling and bingo, making crafts, going shopping, and meeting her many friends for coffee. She was a collector of all things. She enjoyed family gatherings, and especially loved Christmas which was her favourite time of the year.
She will be deeply missed by her Husband, Children, Grandchildren, all her family back home in Nova Scotia, and many family friends.
Cathy is survived by her beloved family, her husband Gerald “Jerry” Balcom, her son Robert Balcom (Paula Gagnon), her daughters, Tina Balcom Castle, Crystal Balcom Deschene (Darren Deschene), grandchildren Shyla, Joshua, Nicolas, Alisia, Josee, and Caleb “Little Man” of Grande Prairie, Alberta, siblings Borden Schrader (Jean), Burton Schrader (Marie), Kenneth Schrader (Valerie), Charlotte Hallet (Harvey), Lavina “Sookie” Young (Charlie), Pauline Conway, and Dianne Wynot (Douglas) all of Nova Scotia, sister-in-law Deanna Roy of Nova Scotia, as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family on the Balcom side.
She was predeceased by her parents Everett and Emmeline Schrader, 4 infant siblings, her sister and brother-in-law Jeanette and Gorden MacNutt, brother John Roy, and brother and sister-in-law Joseph and Mae Schrader all of Nova Scotia.
The family would like to extend a very heartfelt Thank You to all the staff on 5N at the QEII Hospital in Grande Prairie AB for the past 10 years, they have been an extension of our family and Cathy cared for them deeply. Also, the family is forever grateful to Bear Creek Funeral Home for their compassion and understanding through this difficult time.
We will have a Celebration of Catherine’s Life once restrictions have been lifted. This summer she will be interred in Liverpool NS with her Mom and Dad.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association (10001 – 101 Avenue, Grande Prairie AB T8V 0X0, www.diabetes.ca)
Care entrusted to Bear Creek Funeral Home 780-830-7742 www.bearcreekfuneral.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Catherine Jane Balcom 01/11/1951 01/02/2021..
Death notice for the town of: Grande-Prairie, Province: Alberta