Olia Balan

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our Mom, Mother-in-law, Baba, Sister, and Auntie, Olia Balan (nee Posmituck) on April 21, 2024.

 Olia was predeceased by her husband Melvin Balan in 2001. As well as her parents Fred and Lena Posmituck, her sister Sonia Derkach, and brother and sister in laws Steve and Ollie Willey, Ed and Diane Balan and Bob Kimpinski.  Left to cherish her memories are her son Robert, daughter in law Adrienne, grandchildren Abby, Shelby and Tori, sister Shirley Kimpinski and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Olia was born March 19, 1943, and attended school in Olha, Oakburn and Commercial College in Winnipeg. She married Mel Balan on June 6, 1964, and together they lived in Winnipeg for the first few years of marriage.  While in Winnipeg, Olia worked at Dominion Group and then Eastman Photo.  On July 07, 1968, their son Robert was born. In 1970 they decided to move back to the Balan family farm by Olha, MB.  At this time Olia worked for many years at SM Waytowich Insurance Agency in Oakburn, as well as Kostecki Insurance in Rossburn and Oakburn and finally for her nephews Chris and Robin Kimpinski at Kimps Insurance in Shoal Lake, until she finally retired at age 75. She also very much enjoyed working for Bruce Manuliak and his catering business.  The ladies and Bruce apparently had a lot of good laughs and conversation while making countless numbers of perogies, cabbage rolls etc.

The prayers were held at Rae’s Funeral home April 29,2024 and the funeral from St. Michaels Ukrainian Catholic Church Olha, Mb on April 30,2024 at 10:30, interment followed in the parish cemetery. Pallbearers were Sheldon and Eugenia Willey, Bev and Jason Hunter, Jamie Balan and Ryan Koltusky. Crossbearer was Chris Kimpinski.

If friends so desire donations may be made to the Shoal Lake School Snack Program or Olha Cemetery fund.

At this time the family would like to express our sincere thank you to all the staff at the Shoal Lake Strathclair Health Centre during Olias last few weeks as well as her homecare nurses Courtney and Tanya. To Father Jay for his visit and officiating, Kay Wilk for Cantering, Bill Swistun for ringing the bells and Elder Leonard Rupa. To Rae’s Funeral Home for the arrangements, the pallbearers and crossbearer.  To Bruce Manuliak and Pat and Brian Dziver for the delicious lunch. Many expressions of kindness were shown by our local Olha community for cleaning the hall and church, serving at lunch and organizing the desserts for lunch.  Thank you to all the friends and family that visited, phoned, texted, and brought food and flowers. Also, a very special thank you to Pat and Brian Dziver for offering a loving home to Olias beloved cat, Katy.

 We will always cherish, and never forget the kindness of our communities.