ALICE BEATRICE BALSILLIE

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ALICE BEATRICE BALSILLIE June 6, 1929 - October 24, 2011 It is with heavy hearts that we the family announce our Mom's passing at the Grace Hospital in Winnipeg. Alice leaves behind daughter Colleen and grandson Ryan, daughter Bonnie (William) grandchildren Amber and Alexander. Son Robert and his family of Alberta. Arthur's son's Justice and Carmine. To cherish fond memories are sister's Doreen, Gertie, Vera and Deena and their families, all of Alberta. Mom was predeceased by husband Bill, son Arthur, parents Fred and Clara Jones, brother's Roy, Lorne, Arthur and sister Hilda. Our Mom, the oldest of nine children, was born in Fort Vermilion, Alberta living briefly in Peace River until she set out as a teenager heading east to start a new life for herself. She stopped briefly in Portage la Prairie, then on to Winnipeg, where she resided until her passing. A large portion of Mom's working career was in the food service industry, working in many restaurants, cafes, hotels and hospitals throughout Winnipeg. She learned to be a great cook along the way which resulted in her establishing her own restaurants with a loyal following of patrons. Her first being Lilac Snack Bar, in Fort Rouge, followed by Alice's Restaurant in Elmwood, Alice's Restaurant Catering and The White House Restaurant in Winnipeg's North End. When not in business for herself, Mom managed The Portage Village Inn Restaurant as well as The Scandinavian Centre. Mom worked many years at HCS and the Grace Hospital in Food Services until her retirement. Other significant accomplishments included; elected as a Winnipeg City Councillor in 1980-1983, serving on numerous committees and boards while on council. A member of the Board of Trustees at Seven Oaks General Hospital from 1981-1990 and working briefly in real estate for Century 21. Throughout her life she was a contributing member and supporter of the NDP. Our Mom was an amazing woman, an extremely hard worker, passionate for life, beautiful and considered a classy lady by many, she was kind, sincere, very generous, taking in strays, whether it was an animal or one of her kid's friends, she loved music, dancing, reading and sitting on her deck with her cat. Mom cherished her friendships along the way, special thanks to her dear friend Maria Tagliaferri for your kindness and loyalty to our Mom and Marge Nickerson who has been a friend since mom first arrived in Winnipeg. Mom lived for her family and loved us all unconditionally. We love you Mom and Grandma, Sister, Auntie and Friend. Rest in Peace, we will miss you forever and for always. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory, to any local animal shelter or cat rescue of your choice. Cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, November 1 at 1:00 p.m. at Neil Bardal Funeral Centre, 3030 Notre Dame Ave. (across from Brookside Cemetery). NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE (204) 949 2200 nbardal.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 29, 2011