Obituary of Pearl Ballan

Pearl Violet Ballan passed away at the Pine Island Lodge, Maidstone, Saskatchewan on Friday, November 23, 2012 at the age of 88 years. Pearl will be sadly missed by her husband George, Two sons; Mel Hickson and Gib Hickson, Two daughters; Cheryl (Jim) Johnston, and Donna (John) Weaver, ,five grandchildren; Jody (Brad) Freyman, Jill (Darrin) Shumay, Jamie (Nancy)Johnston, Rob Weaver, and Roxanne (Kirby) Newcombe, eight great grandchildren, three step children; Cal (Maureen) Ballan, Greg (Lynn) Ballan, and Mike (Kathy) Ballan and five step grandchildren; Bailey (Rob), Jamie (Tabatha), Kelly (Jason), Curtis, Brendan, and six step great grandchildren, as well as numerous other relatives. Eulogy by Jody Freyman These are some of our fondest memories of Grandma Mike: I will never forget the delicious cherry pies and the care packages she made for me when I was in university. The most delicious turkey pot pies that a girl on a tight budget could ask for. What about her amazing Boxing Day feasts that she laid out for us every year between curling games? I can still picture the amazing gardens that she grew and her special garden shoes at the edge. And God forbid we even think about stepping inside her garden either!! We made many a trip to the lodge to visit grandma. When the kids were younger, they were showered with slobbery kisses right on the lips. As they grew older, they learned to give their heads a quick turn so the kisses landed on their cheeks instead. I can still see the look on grandma's face the first time Jaida sang her a song for her birthday ……. Such a proud grandma she was. We have many funny memories of grandma as well. Tanner says he will never forget the time that she played peek-a-boo through the holes in her afghan. Hunter still laughs about the day that we visited and he asked grandma how the roast beef was at lunch. She took one look at him and burst out laughing. It is these funny little memories that we have that give us comfort as grandma begins her next journey in her life. So here is a poem that I chose called "The Journey's Just Begun". Don't think of her as gone away Her journey's just begun Life holds so many facets This Earth is only one Just think of her as resting From the sorrow and the tears In a place of warmth and comfort Where there are no days and years Think how she must be wishing That we could know today How nothing but our sadness can really pass away And think of her as living In the hearts of those she touched For nothing loved is ever lost And she was loved so much We will miss you grandma. And grandma, while you are hanging around up there with Auntie Carol, could you give her a hug from all of us, because we will miss her too. Donations in memory of Pearl may be made to the Pine Island Lodge - Patient Comfort Fund