CYNTHIA BALCIUNAS (BERG)

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CYNTHIA BALCIUNAS (nee BERG) December 22, 1963 - December 13, 1999 Peacefully, with all her family at her bedside, we profoundly regret to announce the passing of Cindy Balciunas, following a determined and courageous battle with cancer, at the age of 35. Left to deeply mourn this incredibly tragic death are her loving and devoted husband, Danny; daughter Carleigh age 6 and son Brendan 5 months old. Cindy will also be unmeasurably missed and mourned by her parents, Katherine and Bill Berg; sister Sandra Berg and nephew Aaron Berg, as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins. Equally devastated and saddened are mother-in-law, Aldona Balciunas; sister-in-law, Vida Balciunas; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Rennie and Heidi Balciunas. All of Cindys many dear friends share much grief and sorrow over her loss. Cindy grew up in St. Vital and began her career in the helping profession by working at St. Amant Center. This prompted her after graduating from Glenlawn Collegiate to enter St. Boniface School of Nursing whereupon graduation Cindy began her 10 year nursing career at the Misericordia Hospital specializing in Orthopedics. Colleagues respected her work ethic, intelligence and level of expertise and her patients benefitted from her kindness, compassion and nursing skills. Cindys striving for success led her to many personal and professional achievements. Cindy decided to leave nursing so she and husband Danny could devote their time to raising a family. Daughter Carleigh and nephew Aaron were always closest to Cindys heart and soul. Cindy cared about them endlessly. Baby Brendan only loved his mother for such a brief time but will always be protected and guided by Cindys heavenly love. She will always be his guardian angel. All who knew Cindy were impressed by her extraordinary culinary talents, talent with numbers/accounting and phenomenal sense of design which evolved into the designing and planning of the familys dream home which is characterized with Cindys personal and loving touches. Cindy really enjoyed fine dining, travelling as well as family camping trips. Cindys personality reflected sharing of herself and caring about others. Known for her generosity, genuineness, sense of humour, fairness, kindness and honesty, one considered themselves fortunate to have Cindy as a friend. Even throughout her recent challenges, Cindy never lost any of these qualities. Throughout Cindys illness, she made contact with many health care providers, who fulfilled many different needs and services for her. We would like to thank Womens Pavilion, Health Sciences Centre, 5th Floor, for their care and compassion as well as treating Cindy with dignity and respect throughout her most difficult times. You truly are a special ward with special staff. In particular mention are nurses Sylvia, Beatrice and Mi. Also acknowledged are doctors and labor nurses on Womens 2nd Floor for their expertise and professionalism in helping Cindy bring Brendan into this world. We would also particularly commend and are eternally grateful to every single staff member of the Cancer Foundation, 100 Olivia Street, who Cindy encountered. Sincere gratitude and deep appreciation is extended to Cindys Oncologist, Dr. Andrew Maksymiuk, a doctor whose excellent care, compassion and expertise will never be forgotten. Thank-you to Dr. Don Houston for his medical insights and involvement in helping Cindy wherever possible, and to Dr. Vijay for her honesty, compassion and skill. Of mention were Cindys clinic nurses Julie, Carla and Giselle, who offered unending support, encouragement and care through many difficult times. Also thank you to Dr. Jamie Blicker for "being there" when Cindy was in need. Thank you to the many supportive friends who have demonstrated sincere acts of kindness throughout Cindys illness. There are many fond remembrances but the family would like to sincerely express gratitude to Brenda Palamar (N.Y. was fun)., to all the people at B.H. for their kind words and support, including Mrs. "M", Janet Pat and Gaylene. The "Kids Can Cope Program Providers", Jill Taylor Brown and Group, Enid Barnes Anne Trotman for your support over the years, to our neighbours the Hermanns, to our car poolers the Kjernisteds and Maidments, a huge thanks to Edna and Julietta and last and not least to all of Carleighs friends and classmates. In honour of our dear Cindy, a Memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 18, at 11:30 a.m. Green Acres Memorial Gardens and Funeral Chapel, followed by a reception. In keeping with Cindys appreciation of nature, flowers are gratefully accepted to Green Acres Chapel or in Cindys memory donations may be made to Cancer Care Manitoba. 100 Olivia Street. All family, friends, acquaintances and their kids are welcome to this memorial service.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 17, 1999