ELIZABETH (LIZ) BALAGUS (OBERWENEC)

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ELIZABETH (LIZ) BALAGUS (nee OBERWENEC) June 27, 1932 - June 3, 2011 Peacefully after a long and courageous battle with cancer, we announce with deep sadness, the passing of Elizabeth Balagus at St. Boniface Hospital at the age of 78. She will be forever cherished by Murray Balagus, her beloved husband of 58 years; and their four children: Deric (Anni), Peter (Colleen), Lisa (Keith) and Tom (Juanita). She is also survived by her nine grandchildren: Brad (Leanne) and Tim; Brendan, Jacqueline, and Matthew; Karson and Sarah; Ryan and Jennifer, along with extended family and friends. Mom had a heart of gold, and was loved by all who knew her. Mom was born in Winnipeg as an only child of Eugenia and Michael Oberwenec. She was raised and lived her entire life in the North End . She first attended Faraday School and completed High School at Isaac Newton. After a few years in the work force, Mom met Dad, and they were soon married on September 12, 1953. Together they raised four children. Mom stayed home to care for the kids throughout their childhood, but did begin work as a legal secretary, when the children grew older, for the Parashin Law Firm, where she still continued working until just last month. Marrying a hockey player, and raising four athletic children, Mom may not have been the athletic one herself, but she was the back bone of the Balagus Team. Mom was our number one fan, and team leader. She supported each and every one of us throughout our lives, and would certainly hoot at us when she felt we were going off track. Mom loved her grandchildren dearly, and was always anxious to watch each of their activities. Whether it be hockey, baseball, dance, gymnastics or horseback riding, Granny was there to cheer them on. Mom had an enormous circle of friends. Growing up as a family at 485 Dalton Street, The Coffee Ladies (Jennie Duplak, Lillian Cherwick, Mary Zelinski and Mom) who lived a radius of four houses from one another, met weekly, and would have their afternoon of laughing and crying while they listened and shared each others stories. Outside the home, Mom spent several years in a bowling league, but her love for travelling soon became her leisure sport. Mom and Dad travelled several years to Hawaii, and then to Florida where they shared many enjoyable winters with Bill and Joy Kormylo, and Bill and Sylvia Prokopanko. This was then followed by several winters in Puerto Vallarta where they stayed in a condominium in the Marina Area. In the summer, Mom loved spending time at our family cottage at Falcon Lake where she could spend time with her children and grandchildren and have them close by. The highlight of each weekend was Mom's Blueberry Pancakes which were prepared each and every Saturday for breakfast. Mom would also sit for hours doing puzzles, and we spent many evenings playing card games together as a family. Mom's favourite pastime was spent reading novels, doing crosswords, watching Jeopardy, knitting and watching the Cooking Channel for hours on end. Mom spent years as an active member of the BVM Ladies League. She always remained devoted to the church, and it was her faith in God, along with her amazing love for her family and friends, that allowed her to fight pancreatic cancer for almost two years. Mom fought with unbelievable strength and courage. She never once complained, always stayed proud, and held her head with dignity, right to the end. A special thank you goes out to her lifelong friend, Sylvia Prokopanko who visited and watched over Mom during her last few weeks at home. Their friendship meant the world to Mom. The family would like to thank Dr. Kevin Saunders and Dr. Wong, his nurse Kathy Kyrluk at St. Boniface CancerCare, along with all the nurses and staff who cared for Mom during her Chemotherapy treatments. Thank you also to the nurses in the Palliative Ward at St. Boniface Hospital where Mom spent her final hours before leaving us to eternal rest. Mom fought a courageous battle, but is now at peace. Divine Liturgy will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 7 at Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church, 965 Boyd Ave. with Fr. V. Bashutskyy officiating. This will be immediately followed by interment at Holy Family Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba. We will always love you Liz, Mom, Granny and you will never be forgotten. VICHNAYA PAMYAT, Rest in Peace. KORBAN FUNERAL CHAPEL 956-2193

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 06, 2011