Obituary of Maria Katherine Balmer

On June 10, 2024, we lost a dearly loved family member. In doing so we gained an angel that will always look over us. Mary leaves behind lots of family who will lovingly remember her in the years to come. Her Sister Olga Palmer, Brother William (Lois) Matuga, and Sons Kurt, Conrad and Robert (Patricia). Many Grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other extended family.

Mary was born in Vinsulla BC in 1930 to Aranka (Irene) and Michael Matuga. On May 22, 1954, she married Leonhard Balmer and had 5 sons. In 1975, her family moved to Sidney on Vancouver Island where she worked as a dry cleaner. Eventually they retired to Parksville where they remained until Leonhard’s health declined at which time they returned to Kamloops where she had grown up. Mary’s life was a busy one. She attended her sons' ball games and even coached baseball for a championship team. During the winter months, Mary would always have the hockey game on if you showed up to visit. She liked to bowl as well. Mary even found time to garden and was an avid gardener and loved all things that flowered. She grew amazing roses in her flower gardens and was very proud of them.  Fishing was also a favorite pastime that Mary enjoyed doing when time permitted. Most of all Mary loved being surrounded by family and friends and her door was always open for some company.

Mary is predeceased by her Husband Leonhard, sons Leonhard Jr and Alfred, her brother Rudy, her sister Anne, and her granddaughter Amanda.

We would like to send out a special thank you to Candice, Steven, Deseree, and Kelly from Joseph’s Creek Care Village in Cranbrook for the amazing care they gave Mom in her final days. You are very special people and we truly appreciate each of you.

A celebration of Mary’s life will take place in Kamloops at a date yet to be determined. In lieu of flowers donations to the MS Society in remembrance of Mary is what she wanted.