Obituary of Isaline Ballachey

Isaline May “Isamay” Ballachey (nee de Palezieux), a lifelong Albertan, has passed away at the age of almost 92. She was born in 1921 in a log home on the Millarville Ridge, where her parents, Swiss immigrants, ran a ranch. Much of her childhood was spent on a horse exploring the marvellous open country around her. She was educated first at the rural and now long-gone New Valley School, and finished high school in High River. She attended the University of Alberta, and then studied nursing at the Calgary General Hospital, graduating in 1945. She married her husband, John, after his return from his tour as a pilot overseas during WWII; they had known each other throughout their childhood as their families were long standing friends. After a time spent in Edmonton where John was at university, they settled in Calgary. They both had a deep love for the foothills country, and fairly soon took on a ranch west of Millarville, which became a favourite destination for the extended family. While Isamay left her nursing practice to raise her family, over the years she was involved with many volunteer efforts, through the Junior League and other venues. She worked for Kananaskis Country, using her knowledge of the people, history and places of this developing area in a position that involved researching and recommending names for mountains, lakes, creeks, trails and facilities. She also loved to paint, which brought her great joy. The family home in Calgary, and the ranch in the summers, were almost always full of friends and relatives who contributed to many stories and cherished memories. Predeceased by her husband John in 2012, Isamay is survived by her three children, Barbara (Jerrel Wilkens), Brenda (Mike Wenig), and John “Buck” (Marcella); her four grandchildren, Jennifer Ballachey (Richard Goudie), Stephen Ballachey (Stefanie), Joey Ballachey Wenig, and Min She Ballachey Wenig; and six great grandchildren. “Auntie Isamay” was also loved and is survived by numerous nieces and nephews and their offspring in the extended de Palezieux, Hannon, Ballachey, Balfour, Davis, Costello, McNeill, Clark, and Soby families. Isamay suffered a stroke almost 4 years ago, and as she worked at recovery, her spirit and tenacity astonished her family. She had a gracious and pragmatic manner, and values that had no room for self pity of any sort, but were based on compassion and wisdom. At her request, there will no funeral service; however, a gathering for family and friends will be held at the Ranchmen’s Club on 27th Oct. 2013, from 2 to 5 pm. The family thanks the very capable and kind staff at the Staywell Manor, which became Isamay’s home for the past few years, and medical staff at the Foothills Hospital and the Sarcee Hospice, who cared for her the past week with great skill and compassion. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice. Please forward condolences through www.hffs.com.