Obituary of Mary Frances Balkwill

Mary F. Balkwill (Simms) of Hopewell, NS It is with tremendous sadness that I announce that my precious mother has left this world, much to my great dismay, on Monday, August 26th, 2024 at the Aberdeen Hospital, at 77 years of age. We mourn the loss of such an extraordinary person who had many passions, some fulfilled and many unfulfilled. Many people were amazed by her paintings that graced the walls of her home for visitors to admire. Mom accomplished so many projects and was known for her determination and tenacity, never one to shy away from a challenge. She was born in Ontario, Sept 9, 1946 to John and Georgina Simms. She leaves behind daughter Gina (Trent) MacDougall and grandsons Aaron (Rechelle), Daniel (Alayne) Austin, granddaughters Jennifer and Rebecca MacDougall, and 3 great grandchildren, as well as her last remaining sibling, Rosemary Hailstone of Glencoe, Ontario, along with several nieces and nephews. Mourning with her family, are a few friends that were family to her, and they know who they are. Without them, Mom would not have been able to live in her own home as successfully as she did. I am tremendously grateful to them, as she was, for everything they did for her. In her younger years, she trained and worked as a hair dresser while living in Ontario, followed by a few years working both at a local Ontario newspaper, and doing some modeling jobs, all while being a single mother. In 1975, she, along with the love of her life, Ken, began their life in Pictou County, NS. Here she thrived on her many talents, some of which included writing, painting, Presidency of the Pictou County Literacy Council of Nova Scotia, building or fixing things, problem solving and her most favorite of all, giving hugs. She will be greatly missed, but we take comfort in knowing that she is reunited with her beloved husband Ken, son Kevin and brothers and sisters. I would very much like to thank her VON caregivers, Dr. Barclay and the ICU nursing staff of the Aberdeen Hospital. As per Mom's request, no funeral or memorial service will be held.