Obituary of Gizella Balango

Balango, Gizella (nee Lang) 

A longtime resident of Chatham, Gizella Balango passed away peacefully at Riverview Gardens Nursing Home on Tuesday Dec 4, 2018 nine days shy of her 93rd birthday.

Predeceased by her beloved parents Joseph and Gizella (Kuni) Lang.

Beloved wife of 73 years to Joseph Balango.

Loving and treasured Mother of her late baby Veronica, Joe Balango (Darlene) of Vancouver, George Balango of London Ont, Kathy (Henry) Mommo of Toronto.

Beloved Grandmother of the late Christopher Balango(2015), Scott Balango(Iveta), Renee Quanstrom(Paul), Jon Balango (Lauren), Jana Cooper(Brendan), Natalie and Dana Mommo.

Proud Great Grandma of Alex, Jake, Anna, Kate, Ella and Blaire.

Predeceased by her dear siblings Joseph Lang and Melanie (Joseph)Orosz.

Survived by her dear sister-in-law Rose Lang of Tilbury as well as extended family in Chatham, Toronto and Hungary. 

Gizi was born in Vallaj, Hungary on Dec 13, 1925. Firstborn to Joseph and Gizella Lang. She was very proud of her village and it gave her great joy to tell stories of growing up with her parents and siblings Joe and Meli. 

WW2 brought danger and uncertainty and the family made the decision to flee Hungary as it was no longer safe to stay.

Gizi met Joe in Germany on a farm where the Lang's found work and shelter and Joe was working as a farm hand. They married and had a baby girl named Veronica but sadly she died in infancy. 

The birth of Joe in 1949 brought joy to Gizi and Joe. In addition they were waiting for immigration clearance to make their way to Canada via Kansa City USA where George was born in 1951. 

They were finally allowed passage into Canada and settled in the Chatham area where they were reunited with family. Kathy came as a surprise in 1959. Dad found employment at International Harvester and they slowly built a very comfortable life for the family. Like many women at that time Mom stayed home to tend to the family. She loved her family and took great pride in her home. She was very spiritual and loved God. Her Catholic religion was very important to her.

Due to the onset of dementia and advanced age Mom was admitted to Riverview Gardens in June of 2017. Dad followed 5 months later.

Our family would like to offer the staff at Riverview Gardens our heartfelt thanks for the wonderful care given to our Mom and continued care for Dad. We are eternally grateful. A special thank you to Stacy for being a special companion. Mom loved you. 

May God be with you Mom and may you rest peacefully.

Love you forever.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Agnes Roman Catholic Church, Chatham, on Monday, December 10, 2018 at 11:00am. 

In memory of Gizella, donations may be made to Riverview Gardens - Activity Fund. 

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com. 

McKinlay Funeral Home
459 St. Clair Street
Chatham
519 351 2040