Grace Evelyn Balsor

It is with heavy hearts but gratitude for a long and joyful life, we, the family of Grace Balsor, 96, of Viewmount, Kings County, announce her passing on September 30, 2015 at Shannex Blomidon Court. Grace was born in Lovelace Corner, the daughter of the late Joseph Fredericks and Emma (nee Misner). She was a member of the Black Rock Baptist Church and Jolly Workers Sewing Circle. Grace was fortunate to spend her life surrounded by her loving family whom she was so proud of. Her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great-grandchildren were her pride and joy. She loved to share pictures of them with family and friends and always kept up on each ones achievements and life's events. She knew what everyone's favourite sweet treat was and all could be assured their favourite would be in the pantry whenever they arrived. She was known for her amazing bread which she baked every week well into her 90's as well as her delicious pies, cookies and sweets. Many hours were spent pickling and making jellies and preserves which would last through winter months. She would quickly move about her beloved kitchen, welcoming company for meals or just afternoon tea. Grace loved her mountain home and took pride in keeping her house a comfortable, loving and welcoming home for family and friends alike. For over 60 years she lived there with her husband Vance, whom she sadly missed since his death five years ago. She loved her gardens and would take everyone out for a tour of them. She enjoyed sitting with company on her front veranda watching the cars and neighbours pass on warm summer days. She loved and appreciated the simple things in life and all the small joys of country living and family. She took great pride in her handcrafts, loved knitting and we all cherish the beautiful quilts she stitched with such love and care. Her family and friends will be left with great memories and loving thoughts of a kind, quiet and strong soul. In true mother and grandmother style she made it her mission to be fair to everyone and we all felt her love and knew we were special. From her, we all learned to appreciate family and saw examples of the kind of person we should model ourselves around. Her influence in our lives will be greatly missed but her memory will never be far from our minds and hearts. She is survived by her daughters, Bernice Landry (Don) Dartmouth; Joanne Lyndall (Martyn), Kingsport; daughter-in-law, Sue Balsor (Jake Hatfield), Viewmount; grandchildren, Shelley Scribner (Tim), Jason Balsor (Jodi), Susanne Landry (Jamie McDonald), Sheri Landry, Joel Balsor (Janice); great grandchildren, Lauren Ward (Matthew), Nason Scribner (Hannah), Dorian Balsor (Mandy), Wyatt Balsor, Jenna Downie, Colton, Chase and Callie-Ray Balsor; great great-grandchildren, Henry Ward and Gwen Scribner; sister, Jessie Rafuse (Bill Murphy), sisters-in-law, Ida Gould, Marion Balsor and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Vance Balsor; son, Vincent Balsor; brothers, Henry, Billy, Grant and Joseph Fredericks; sisters, Elsie Barkhouse, Marjorie Rockwell, Mary Fredericks (in infancy). A special thanks to Bill and Adele McDonald who were such great neighbours and watched over Grace so she could remain in her home. Thanks to the staff at Shannex Blomidon Court for the care they provided for her while she was a resident there. She is resting at the White Family Funeral Home Kentville. Visitation will be on Friday, October 2nd from 6pm - 8pm. Funeral service will be at the White Family Funeral Home on Saturday, October 3rd at 2pm. Burial will follow at East Black Rock Cemetery. Family flowers only. Donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Black Rock Baptist Church, 1248 Russia Road, RR3 Waterville, NS B0P 1V0.