Born in Langley, B.C. April 25, 1925. Passed away suddenly on April 4, 2012 after a long healthy life to explore the other side. She is predeceased by her husband, Edward “Ted” on Sept. 6, 1990. She is lovingly remembered by her son, Barrie Balshaw (Karen), Vancouver, daughter Shelley Richardson (Eddie), Las Vegas, NV, stepdaughter Dolly Benson (Ken), SedroWooley, WA, granddaughter, Sunny Balshaw, grandsons, Scott Hickox & David Paul Hickox, faithful cat, Spooky, many nieces, nephews, many lifelong friends & new friends. Special thanks to Lori Fisher for helping mom with so many things these past few years. She cared so much for all of you that it wouldn’t be fair to name only a few. Mom was raised in Langley, B.C. & moved to Vancouver at 17. She spent the first part of her life working for companies such at Bechtel & IBM (which she had to leave because she got married). She spent most of her working life with the RCMP & was made a lifetime member. She was very devoted to both her family & friends & would do whatever she could for anyone. Her home was always open to anyone she, or her children befriended. She always taught us to think of others first & treat others as we would like to be treated. She loved all of her family & friends so much.
Cremation through McCall Bros. A short celebration of life will be held at MCCALL BROS. FLORAL CHAPEL, Johnson and Vancouver Streets at 3:30 p.m. with a reception to follow in the McCall Bros. Family Centre to visit and remember times with mom. Flowers gratefully declined. We love you, Mom and will miss you more than words can say. Condolences may be offered below.
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Rosie Bowman
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Sandy,Fred Kelsey and Dylan Hi Barry, I’m very sorry to hear about Marguerites passing Fred said to me she was like his second mom.I always remember her as a very sweet and friendly women who loved you deeply.Are thoughts and prayers are with you and your Family
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Ellen Hedfield Dear Shelley and family – My condolences to you for your loss – you are in my thoughts. I have fond memories of movie nights at Shelley’s house in Anchorage with Marguerite, and I’m honored to have known her. Sending my love – Ellen
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David Totemoff Shelly-Eddie,My prayers are with you at this great loss.(Chief)
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Sharon Haddix Shelley,
I’m so grateful for having the chance to meet your mom. Though brief, I’ll never forget the big smiles you both had when side by side. You two had such a special relationship; you had this inner-connectedness that was beautifully profound to me.
My thoughts, prayers, and deepest condolences for your loss.
With Love,
Sharon
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Janet Kaps Wolf HI Shelley (and family) – so sorry to hear about your loss….I never met your mom but remember hearing stories – losing your mom is like losing your connection to the universe…I am sad for you and your family. Hugs to you from afar, Janet
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Marilyn Moore Thinking of you, Shelley, Barrie, Dolly and your families.
Marquerite was always a special friend, a special person. She loved you very much and talked of you often. I’m so sorry to hear of her death. Talked with her about 3 weeks ago. Loved her laugh.
Hugs
Marilyn
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Margaret Sharpe Shelley and family, I am very sorry to hear of your loss. Your mom is a great lady with a lot of moxie! I feel lucky to have had the chance to meet her and get to know her. I will always remember her with a twinkle in her eye.
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Douglas Grant Where do I start and finish trying to explain the feelings I have for a friend and mentor in Mugs.
She was there when I entered the family circle, she was there throughout my life.
I watched her go through some of her lifes sadness, as she did mine. But most of our relationship was made up of good times with lots of laughter.
She was always there for everyone and never had anything but respect for her friends.
I was one of the truly fortunate ones who loved her as a son.
We all wish we had at least one more special time with her, but that doesn’t always happen.
My thoughts go out to Shelley and Barrie, two fortunate people, better for having a Mother in Mugs.
Douglas
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Sharon Grant I inherited Mugs through my marriage, Mugs was my husband mothers best friend, and for 28 years I have enjoyed her engaging personality.
Mugs had so many interests that it was impossible to be bored in her company. Mugs, you were the type of person that I would like to be like, actively involved with politics, open to new ideas and embracing thoughts and attitudes of others, while keeping her own beliefs at the fore front. Mugs would set you straight on the best and worst of the Canadian political system, and kept a keen interest in world politics.
She loved writing and being creative. When I lived in Canada we would go drawing and painting around some of the bays in Victoria. She even flew on her own to Australia five years ago and participated in my Art classes, after three weeks here she had charmed all our neighbours and the people she came in contact with.My world will be sadder without her, as it was enhanced with her.
My thoughts are with Shelley and Barry, having such a special mother it is going to be a difficult time.
I love you mugs.
Your friend Sharon.
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linda brault sorry for your loss….I really thought she would outlive us…she did have a full long life but for us that are left behind it was not enough…luv linda
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Nan Birnie Thinking of you Shelley, Barry & your families. Your mom was an amazing, strong, independent woman. Very well informed & I really did enjoy spending time with her. She loved her family more than anything & would do anything for them. She will be missed. Love Nan.
Barrie, Shelley and family,
It is so difficult to lose a Mother, Grandmother and friend under any circumstances. Please accept the heartfelt condolences from the Victoria RCMP Veteran’s Association. Your Mother was a proud life member and indeed was at a luncheon days before she passed away. All of us who spoke with her that day will hold onto that memory for a long time. She was a gracious and kind lady and you have good reason to be proud of her. She will be missed by many.
Rosei Bowman