Obituary of Shirley Ballantyne (Bangma)

It is with tremendous sadness that Shirley’s family announce her passing at Providence Care Hospital on Tuesday, May 4, 2021, in her 59^th year. Loving wife and best friend of Dave Ballantyne for 38 years. Cherished mother of Kelsey Howe (Patrick), Kyle (Kristine Vaughn) and Jacob and caring grandmother of Alana, Nate, Austin, Wylder and Karly. Dear sister of Len (Rita), Koop, Greta McIlvenna (Reg), Hank (Maggie), John, Jacoba Bangma and Richard. Lovingly remembered by her sisters-in-law Heather Davis (Bill) and Sheila Ballantyne (Vern) and by many nieces and nephews and their families. Predeceased by her parents Albert and Jacoba Bangma.

Shirley was a connector. She was able to meet people for the first time and quickly form a bond, show empathy for their experiences and leave them feeling stronger than before they had met. Her compassion for people and her drive to think creatively and solve problems led her to a fulfilling 30-year career as a Condominium Manager. She was well revered for her expertise and way of building rapport among residents.

Shirley was a loving partner and shared countless adventures with Dave for over 40 years. She was always eager to tackle a challenge and had a wit that made any project a fun experience. She was a very proud mother to her daughter and sons and relished the opportunity to be a Grandmother to her five grandchildren. Never shying away from an opportunity to get down and play with her grandkids, she will be remembered fondly for her youthful personality.

Beyond her ever-nurturing role as wife, mother, grandmother and friend, Shirley was passionate about the Arts. She was talented at anything she got her hands on, from knitting and crocheting to stone and wood carving as well as painting. She also spent many years within the community passionately advocating for inclusivity and equity among those with Neurodiversities. She was the Head swim coach with Special Olympics and sat on various boards working to build inclusivity in the Kingston region. She felt strongly that the world would be a much kinder place if we spent our efforts sharing a message of same rather than different. By speaking and sharing her experience she allowed this message to reach many and her work was recognized among the community in Kingston. The Shirley Ballantyne Memorial Fund has been established in her honour to support continuing education for artists through Kingston’s H’Art Centre. Donations can be made to the Memorial Fund by contacting the H’Art Centre. https://www.hartcentre.ca/donate/

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Shirley’s Life will be held at a later date when family and friends can gather safely. Arrangements entrusted to Payne Funeral Home, 178 Main St., Odessa, Ontario K0H 2H0 (613-386-7373). Please share your memories and condolences to the family through this memorial page.