Catherine Ava Balaberda

Catherine Ava Balaberda (nee Blenkin) was born August 30, 1948 in Langenburg, Saskatchewan. She was the third of four girls born to Gladys (nee Potter) and Louis (Bud) Blenkin.

She was always the organized one, the one who kept her clothes neatly put away. She learned early that if you wanted something you usually had to work for it and she was always willing to do that.

Catherine attended Melville High School, staying with her Grandmother to be able to do so. This is where she met Edwin Balaberda. He was her Grandmother's milkman. They were married January 16, 1965 and on March 15, 1965 their first son Warren was born. A tiny 2 pound baby who amazed everyone by surviving. On December 24, 1967 her second son Darrin was born, another 2 pound baby with a strong will to live.

Cathy always wanted to help people, especially her friends. She was always the one we all would go to for answers to our problems. She would be working on the solution to the problem before you could even finish telling her about it.

She loved her cats and there was usually at least 2 royal felines in residence. She liked dogs too, and they were always welcome in her home where there was a box of doggy cookies in the pantry, and a basket of doggy toys beside the basket of cat toys.

Cathy enjoyed baking and would make goodie trays for her friends at Christmas time. She also liked to garden, especially flowers. She loved it when her Gladiolas would grow big beautiful blooms.

In her quiet time she liked to read or do jigsaw puzzles. She was happy to find that she could do jigsaw puzzles on Facebook because there she didn't have to worry about the cats messing up the pieces.

Cathy was predeceased by her mother Gladys Blenkin in 1982, her father Louis Blenkin in 1998, her oldest sister Hildamae Lutz in 2018, and her niece Crystal Lutz in 2005.

She is survived by her husband Edwin Balaberda, son Warren, son Darrin (Heather), sisters Grace Binst and Lois Perepelitz, numerous nieces and nephews, as well as many good friends.

She will be missed by all.

In lieu of flowers, you may wish to make a donation to the Hospice at Glengarda, 301 Hilliard Street East, Saskatoon or an animal rescue / shelter of your choice in Cathy's name.

Cherished Memories is honoured to be entrusted with Cathy's care and arrangements.