Margaret Balzer

  It is with sadness and yet great thanksgiving, that we announce that Margaret Shirley Balzer (Bishop) went home to be with her Lord and Saviour on Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at the age of 97. 

  Margaret Shirley Bishop was born on February 10, 1925, in Hillgrove, NB.  She was the daughter of Whitfield and Nettie Bishop and the youngest of 11 children. 

  On June 2, 1945, Margaret was married to William "Bill" Balzer, a former airman in the Royal Canadian Air Force.  The couple resided their entire married life in Petitcodiac,  N.B.   There they raised their 3 children, Brian, Dwight and Shelley.  They also owned and operated "Balzer’s Gift Store" for many years in the town.  Married for almost 54 years, Bill passed away in 1998.

  Margaret was greatly loved by sons Brian (Barbara) of Sussex, NB, Dwight (Nicole) of Moncton, NB and daughter, Shelley (Mark Josephs) of Toronto, ON.  She was also cherished by her grandchildren; Christopher, Ryan, Emily, Meaghan, Katie, Jonathan, Charissa, Ellisa and Daniella, and 12 great-grandchildren; Kyle, Cole, Jari, Zion, Deo, Quinn,Iyanu, Elias, Jade, Kensington, Micah, and Olivia.

  In addition to raising her family and helping run their business, Margaret also worked as a caregiver for many years, first at Dunham’s Nursing Home (owned by her sister Frances) and in the later years at Spencer Memorial Home, retiring from full time work in 1988.  She loved to garden, (which was evident to all who drove by her home on Renfrew St.) bake and preserve the vegetables she harvested.   An active member for more than 75 years at Petitcodiac United Baptist Church, she was involved over the years in Pioneer Girls Club, on the social committee and other areas.  She rarely missed a Sunday service or midweek prayer meeting.  She was a faithful servant and loved to serve her family and church in whatever way she could.

  She was predeceased by parents, Whitfield and Nettie (Cain) Bishop;  brothers Fay, Rupert, Maurice, Ken and Bertrum and sisters Lillian, Sadie, Kathryn, Eleanor and Frances. 

  Resting at Armstrong's Funeral Chapel, 33 Russell Street (756-3361) visiting will be Thursday, November 24 from 4 to 6 pm. The funeral service will be held at the Petitcodiac Baptist Church on Friday, November 25 at 1 pm with Rev. David Woodworth presiding.  Interment will take place following the service at Maplewood Cemetery.

  If desired, donations in memory of Margaret to the Petitcodiac Baptist Church would be appreciated by the family.

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