July 3, 1958 – April 20, 2016

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother Jan Marie Balison on April 20, 2016 at the age of 57. She was known simply as “Momma” to us and “Momma Jan” to many of our friends whom she was like a second mother to. We were fortunate enough to be able hold her hands and tell her how much we loved her as her soul was peacefully set free.

Jan was predeceased by her brother Steven Balison in 2004. She is survived by her parents David and Cherie Balison of Kamloops, brother Mark (Debbie) Balison of Kamloops, daughter Brandy (Shane) Sonnenberg of Kamloops, daughter Trista (John) Nelson of Kamloops, three darling grandson’s (Kai, Noa, and Emmitt), as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Those who knew mom probably would remember her tiny stature. Her small size had nothing to do with her strength. Mom had a feisty personality that we will miss dearly. She always had a warm and comfortable home for us to come back to.

She attended schools in both Heffley Creek and within Kamloops. Mom lived in Kamloops nearly all her life. She was an amazing gardener and had a beautiful yard she worked so hard in with a number of fruit trees, a veggie garden and so many flowers. Getting her hands in the dirt and beautifying her yard was something she looked forward to every spring. She rarely wore gardening gloves and would wear her old overalls till they were held together with safety pins.

Her proudest accomplishment was being a grandma to her little men Kai, Noa and Emmitt. She was a fun grandma with a purse full of sugar and played endless hours of dinky cars and mega blocks with her oldest grandson Kai. She would push him around the backyard in his toy tractor even when he was over half her height at five years old. He would often call her before she would come over and say “Grandma, are you taking the fast road?” as he waited at the window for her little Tracker to arrive. She was able to meet her newest baby grandson, Emmitt and could make him smile and soothe him easily. Most of all we know she loved us all with every fibre in her being. We will make sure our boys remember their fun grandma.

We would like thank the following people for caring for our mother through her journey
Dr. M. Hollman, Dr. M. Hansen, Dr. J. Takahashi, Dr. R. Mosewich, Dr. R. Farren, Dr. S. Montgomery, Viktor Gundel and many of the wonderful nurses who treated her with kindness, dignity and respect. The ICU became our home many times and the care you provided mom and our family was so appreciated.

As per our mom’s wishes, a private family Celebration of her Life and Graveside Service will take place at a later date.

Until we can meet again momma………we know you’re helping keep heaven beautiful.

Condolences may be expressed at www.schoeningfuneralservice.com.

• Date : 2016-04-20
• Location : Kamloops, B.C.