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Janet Mabel Ballance Obituary
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Janet Ballance, age 73, of Turner Valley, Alberta, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, auntie, and friend, Janet was a lovely, darling soul who charmed and comforted everyone she encountered.
Born on July 17, 1951, to Allan and Patsy Rathwell of Wainwright, Alberta, Janet was the third of five children and enjoyed a happy childhood just outside of town on the family farm. Janet attended school in Wainwright and completed her education at the University of Alberta in Edmonton. She passionately taught home economics for 35+ years, primarily focusing on foods later in her career. She was THE high school foods teacher, always there to support, encourage, and nourish those who came through her door.
Janet lived many adventures throughout her lifetime. In Red Deer, she found her first love, Harvey Schaber, with whom she filled her heart by raising her two children: Leia (Greg, children Eliot, Simon, and Ruby) and Luke (Amy, children Preston and Isaac). After retiring, she sought the rolling hills and endless skylines of Turner Valley, where she expanded her family with her loving and devoted husband, Paul Ballance. Janet was a wonderful step-mother and was dearly loved by her step-children, Kerry (Dustin, children Isla and Teddy), Peter (Renee, children Mya and Zoe), and Jenny (Brad, children Hudson and Houston). She forged and treasured new friendships in her new home. Janet was an active and valued member of St. George’s Anglican Church, where she joyously served and supported others. Janet wore many hats at St. George’s, she did everything but preach! She was incredibly hospitable, organized and helpful, she made anywhere feel like home.
A zealous sewer, baker, and creative spirit, Janet was a lifelong learner who once professed she would never bake a pie but later went on to perfect her pastry and critique any pie she tasted thereafter (nothing was as good as hers, of course). She appreciated art, theatre, and exciting sewing challenges. There was nothing she made that didn’t soothe your soul, and she could tell when the cookies were done just by the smell. She noticed every detail and had a unique ability to make anyone feel at ease, comforted, and heard. Janet lit up a room even when she wasn’t dressed in bright colours (which wasn’t often) and never shied away from red lipstick. A beautiful soul and brave fighter, she will be forever missed by many.
Janet is predeceased by her parents and her sister, Lynn Adams.
A sincere thank you to Diamond Valley Home Care, Oilfields General Hospital, and Foothills Country Hospice for their exemplary care and compassion, as well as Dr. Feng, Dr. Hembroff, and the Cancer Care staff in High River Hospital Centre for all their support throughout the years.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, September 27th, 2024 at 12:30pm at St. George’s Church, 200 Main Street, Turner Valley, with a reception to follow at Gateway Bible Church, 212 Centre Ave, Black Diamond. Janet requested that her family and friends dress in their favourite colours.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Foothills Country Hospice in Okotoks.
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July 17 1951

September 22 2024

snodgrass funeral homes

Death notice for the town of: Okotoks, Province: Alberta

death notice Janet Mabel Ballance July 17 1951

September 22 2024

obituaries notice Janet Mabel Ballance July 17 1951

September 22 2024

We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Janet Mabel Ballance July 17 1951

September 22 2024  and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.