ASHLEY DIANE BALAN

Surrounded by family, Ashley Diane Balan (Soongis Animimikiig Ikwe) passed peacefully on April 13, 2021 in the Health Sciences Centre MICU. She was predeceased by her grandparents, Vera and Cozma Balan, Bernard Brine, George Vesinger and her niece Richelle Burchill.

Ashley came into our lives on April 10th 1984 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She was the sixth child born to parents Carl and Bernice Balan. Ashley is survived by siblings, Carlina, Aaron (Roxanne), Benjamin, Amber (Cade), Carl Jr. (Amberae), Larry, Cynthia (Richard), Bonnie (Brent) and Barbara. Ashley was a very proud auntie and she took the role very seriously! She cherished her numerous nieces and nephews, Tova, Allen, Jade, Compton, Brianna, Josh, Cozma, Cassius, Chase, Hayden, Kendal, Izabella, Meadow, Austin, Connor, Odin, Mark, Shauna, Vanessa and Tiara; great nieces and nephews, London, Victoria, Charlie, Georgia, Darius, Mason, Kyrie and Aries; grandma Vina Vesinger; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins; as well as long time companion Tiffany Chine.

To know Ashley was to love her and her positive energy radiated in any setting she was in. She formed many lifelong friendships. Her smile could light up a city block.

After spending her childhood in Winnipeg her family moved to Calgary, Alberta where she attended Balmoral Junior High School. Ashley was a talented athlete, her natural gifts and athletic abilities shone brightest in Basketball and Baseball. In 2001 and 2002, Ashley led the Crescent Heights Cowboys basketball team to win City Championships. Ashley was an exceptional student she graduated from Crescent Heights High School with Honours.

Soon after graduation Ashley joined the work force, she was a skilled trades person who loved working with her hands. Ashley was a natural electrician her skill, work ethic and analytical abilities were respected and sought after by all. Ashley had a unique ability to analyze and understand complex concepts and job situations, and she was able to conceptualize and convey this knowledge to others. Ashley was a quick learner and adapted to many different work environments. Additionally, Ashley had her hand in iron work, carpentry, tilework, roofing, and flooring, just to name a few.

Ashley was a true animal lover. She cherished her Brussells Griffon fur babies: Pandora, Compass, Hope and Munroe. Wherever Ashley went her fur babies were close in toe. Ashley also expressed herself through art and music. She was a talented musician, singer and songwriter. She was a self-taught bass and acoustic guitar player. Ashley enjoyed singing and had the most beautiful voice she enjoyed performing for friends and family as well as taking part in various live jam sessions. She had a gift for writing lyrics, hooks and creating melodies.

Ashley was of strong faith and was a deeply spiritual person. She was well versed in the Bible and had a strong faith in her Lord and savior Jesus Christ. Ashley had the utmost respect for Mother earth and had recently developed pride in her Indigenous traditions and beliefs.

Ashley spent the last few years of her life on the West Coast of British Columbia and Vancouver Island where she continued to form friendships wherever she went. She had a love for the ocean and would spend countless hours there with her pup Munroe.

In March 2021 Ashley returned home to Winnipeg where she spent her final days with her loving family before her life was cut tragically short. Ashley was one in a million. She will be deeply missed by everyone who was fortunate to have been blessed by her presence.

The family would also like to acknowledge the compassionate care that Ashley received by the Health Care staff at the Health Sciences Centre.

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

 Revelation 21:4

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In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society in honor of Ashley’s profound love for animals.

Due to Covid 19 restrictions, an intimate family gathering to celebrate Ashley’s life will be held on Friday April 23, 2021. A larger celebration of life to follow when Covid 19 restrictions are lifted.

Ashley will be laid to rest at the Woodlands Cemetery.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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