July 17, 1927 – December 31, 2020
at the age of 93 years
Say goodbye to the Candy Lady…she has changed locations. Marge passed away on December 31, 2020, peacefully at the age of 93. Mom spread love, joy and chocolate bars everywhere she went!
Born on July 17, 1927 in Lashburn, SK to Ernest and Elizabeth Watson, Marge was the sixth child in a family of nine and was raised on a farm in Neilburg, SK. She moved to New Westminster, BC where she robbed the cradle and met her future husband Ed. Marge married Edward Balazs on July 10, 1950 and they resided in Port Moody and then moved to Port Coquitlam where they raised their four children.
When her children were grown and Ed and Marge both retired, they moved to Salmon Arm, BC. Being snowbirds, they spent the long, Canadian winters in sunny Arizona and spent the spring and summers on the Salmon Arm acreage. Late in life they moved to a home Ed built on Okanagan Avenue in Salmon Arm where she spent her final years.
Marge and Ed celebrated their 70-year wedding anniversary in 2020. Marge loved to garden, dance, bake, quilt and sew. Mom was happiest when she was doing something and boy was she happy! In later years many a wonderful evening was spent playing cards with family and friends. She looked forward to attending Mass each week and the social time afterwards.
Marge was pivotal in organizing the large Watson family reunions to bring together her extended family. She was always a ray of sunshine with a love of life that shone through in all her actions. She had a kind heart, adored her family, including her furry ones and her friends. She will deeply be missed and always remembered for her loving ways, her warm smile, generous and beautiful spirit and amazing laugh by her husband Ed and her children: the boys David and Eric (Noria), the girl Cheryl, the other boy Paul (Lisa), her grandchildren: Cherie Sommer, Jeffrey Pedersen, Kevan Pedersen (Adora), Katrina Pedersen, Curtis Balazs, great grand daughter Freja, her sister Bernice, extended family and friends who shared in her life.
Special thanks to team Marge members real life angels Rob Dubois, Carol Albrecht and the church crew Hildegard and Edwin for getting mom to the church on time. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
David, Eric, Cheryl, Paul and all your families,
My heartfelt sympathy to all of you with the passing of your Mom and Dad. Cousin Melvin called me today to let me know about Uncle Ed and then shared the news that Aunty Marge went to her eternal home on December 31st. Always, remember that a mother’s love is forever! She will be with you in your heart, your mind and the memories that you will cherish. When my dad passed away seven years ago, my son, Tyler and his wife Jessica gave me a picture frame with my dad and I dancing at their wedding. The message on the frame was “When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a treasure…”. It’s almost two years since my beloved husband, Tony passed away and I carry his heart in my heart. I feel is presence on the good days and the bad and move forward everyday knowing that one day, we will be together in eternity. Hold on to your faith, love and memories and know that others are lifting you up on thoughts and prayers. I am truly sorry for your loss. Love your cousin Carla Redler (nee Balazs)
Grandma – There are never enough moments to share in 1 lifetime that we would be able to share together. The ones who knew you are blessed to have you in their lives. We the lucky few were able to call you Family. Whether that was Mom, Grandma, or Great-Grandma. Looking back on the memories we shared together will always bring warmth to my heart and soul. Some of the happiest memories for me was spending time on the farm with you or on vacation. The simple fact of what made time with you so enjoyable was being able to be around you. You brought such light and happiness to all things around you that made the darkest days bright. I count myself fortunate that you were able to attend my wedding and that you were able to meet your Great-Granddaughter. She may not know you personally, but I will ensure she knows of you and knows that you will forever be looking down on her from Heaven.
You will forever be loved and will always be missed.
Love Kevan, Adora, and Freja.
Blessings to you and yours. Thank you David for sharing your mom and wonderful comments. A light shines from heaven until we all meet again.
Where does one start to describe the love I have for my amazing,strong of faith,kind,loving mother? Many lessons of being the best you could be.She encourage us to work hard with an positive attitude.She was a wonderful example of living a full life.I have many great memories that I will cherish forever in my heart ❤️ Mom would make us matching outfits,sewing Barbie clothes.Where did she find the time.We travelled to Great Britain where she showed me an amazing adventure.This was where she introduced me to beer.We would continue to share a beer on each of our visits.Swing time with mom on her porch swing,beer in hand = story time about her garden and life.You were always so happy to see your family grow.From your first grandson Jeffrey to first great granddaughter Freja.These are just a few of my favourite memories.With tears in my eyes, I will always remember your warm hugs and holding your hands.All my love today and always your daughter Cheryl ❤️
It is hard to find the words to describe what a pleasure Grandma was to have in one’s life. She was so incredibly bright, and took time and care with everything in her life; everyone around her felt truly ‘seen’ and loved, especially when she tightly gripped your hand and virtually poured her love into yours. 🙂
Grandma had so many lessons to impart: she was quick to laugh, quick to give, and quick to respond. When she lost her ability to find her words, I still almost always knew exactly what she was trying to say, as her eyes would dance in conversation and her virility shown brightly. If ever there was confusion, she would hug you so dearly and laugh so rambunctiously that all you really needed to know is that she loved you dearly; family and friends were given a gift of love that never dies.
She was incredibly talented in all that she did. From the beautiful dresses she would make me as a child, to the deliciously warm and stunning quilts and blankets that will continue to keep us snug in our beds for many years to come. The love and care that was poured into these materials will not be forgotten. The lessons she taught of hard work, generosity, and curiosity, and interests that she inspired, of sewing, canning, and gardening, will continue to help guide me in my life; for that she will always be near. 🙂
I will miss her greatly, as many people will. Her love touched so many, and I feel privileged that I got to spend so many years in her loving eyes. I will never forget her excitement upon seeing me, shaking my shoulders with strong beautiful hands, staring deep into my face, and then wrapping her arms around me in tight embrace. I think that we should all be so lucky to feel so important in a moment like that.
Thank you grandma, for everything.
I love you so very much,
Cherie
“Gentle woman, quiet light, morning star so strong and bright,
Gentle mother peaceful dove
Teach us wisdom, teach us love.
You were chosen by the Father:
You were chosen for the Son,
You were chosen from all woman
And for woman shining one.
Gentle woman, quiet light, morning star so strong and bright,
Gentle mother, peaceful dove
Teach us wisdom, teach us love”.
Dedicating this song you so cherished, and remembering the special times, your grandson Curtis played the piano and lead the lyrics with you, dad, Paul and I joining in.
Miss you, and will always treasure the great memories and precious legacy that follows you.
Rest well in heaven my beautiful mother in law. Gods gardens will bloom ever so brightly in your care.
Eric: Miss you mom!!! All the hats you wore in your life!! Taking me from the womb to wisdom, all with a smile!!! I thank you for all your sacrifices. I still cook things the way you showed me Don´t forget to unlock the back door when you see me climbing the stairway to heaven. See you there… Love Eric
Nuria: I didn´t have the opportunity to spend a long time with mom, but these few times were really intense. She was a very sweet and nice person that was always happy. Sometimes we went out to walk on the street and she enjoyed talking to the neighbors and with their cats and dogs!!! All of them, even the pets, showed her affection and happiness. When we played cards or other games, she enjoyed it so much that made us be happy, even when she was the winner (that happened frequently). Seeing her working in her garden was quite a delight. She treated me so fondly that made me feel at home when Eric and I visited them. Of course, I really appreciate it a lot and I am very glad because I had the opportunity to meet and enjoy her, at least few times. All of us are fortunate about it!!!
Now she is in another place making happy other people that are fortunate to meet her…
Many kisses, beautiful mom!!!
I enjoyed the great privilege of being a member of Team Marge.
This most charming of women invited me to reside in the basement suite of their home, and I could not say no. After eight years of getting to know Marge and Ed and the family, I was the recipient of a lot of candy. That also means; a lot of Marge’s love, her wisdom, her smiles, her sharp opinions, and most of all, her irresistible laugh!
As a person following the Holy Spirit, I could always see the Love of God, the Holy Spirit, shinning brightly in Marge.
Marge will always be a light for us all to follow.
May God’s grace, peace, and blessings be with you forever Marge.
A Mother’s influence is immeasurable, as she shapes the minds and hearts of her children from their earliest
years. From all the wonderful comments about Marge, it’s easy to see that her love definitely touched not only
her children, but her friends and family all around. Indeed she will be missed!
Sending our thoughts and prayers from California,
Peg and Todd Meeter
Not everyone has the opportunity in life to meet such a woman as Marge …….how blessed am I to have enjoyed her friendship for 3 years! I never had a chance to meet her before her stroke which took away a great deal of her verbal communication but she understood a great deal and spoke volumes with the love, light and kindness in her eyes. I will remember you through the many pictures we have and the touching stories and memories we all made.
You will be greatly missed by many and I look forward to seeing you again someday Marge…….but not too soon!
Love
Carol
Auntie Margie’s light shone brightly for such a very long time. Her love and wisdom will be long remembered and she leaves this world a better place. Rest well Auntie, until we meet meet again.
My thoughts & prayers go out to you at this difficult time. She will deeply be missed . Her smile, laugh, kindness to all. I can still remember the beautiful dresses & pjs
she sewed for us for Christmas. I still have one of her lovely aprons she made for me.
Rest in peace Auntie Marge
Your niece Lois
I miss your loving, caring, trusting eyes dearest of mothers. Our little greetings and you waving goodbye in the window I still look for you; but your not there. You are now everywhere, I feel your spirit and your love wherever I am. Thank you MOM for being my MOM I love you. I know you will be waiting at the gates of Paradise.
Your son David
Our deepest condolences to the Balazs family. Marge was a beautiful and genuine person who made you feel welcome any time. She had a great zest for life, one that was to be admired. Enjoy Heaven Marge … You belong there.
Cindy, Trevor and Aggie
Our heartfelt condolences to the family.
Rest In Peace Marge, you truly will be missed.
Sorry to hear Marge’s passing. We enjoyed the many dinner get togethers celebrating birthdays and anniversaries. She was always so cheerful and kind hearted sending home beautiful flowers and veggies from her garden. She will be missed. Our condolences, Vic & Eleanor Caminiti
Rest in Peace Marg. It was always a joy to visit you.
Rest In Peace!! You have left an amazing legacy in your family!
May they have comfort and peace. God bless you all!!!