Regina Balodis

BALODIS, Regina (Vitols) – Passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 6, 2022, at Fairvern Nursing Home, in Huntsville. Regina was born on September 10, 1924, in Daugavpils, Latvia. She was proud of her childhood ballet dancing in the Opera House in Riga.

Regina was a nurse in London, England, after the War and then came to Canada, on July 26, 1952. She married John Balodis, on September 23, 1954. She became a mother to Gunars (age 8), and to Gunta (age 11).

The family moved to a farm near Egbert, Ontario. Regina was a successful farmer, Avon lady and Real Estate Agent. In 1971, John and Regina moved to Mississauga. Regina graduated from Humber College of Applied Arts and Technology Quo Vadis Nursing School, in 1975. Regina joined a senior dance group, in Mississauga, called Jubilee Dancers.

Regina and John made many friends, on their travels. Thanks to Regina’s friends for their caring ways and staying in touch with her. Regina enjoyed her volunteering at the Living Arts Centre, in Mississauga.

In 2017, Regina made the decision to move to Castle Peak Retirement Home in Bracebridge. In August of 2021, she moved to Fairvern Nursing Home in Huntsville.

Regina has one son, Gunars Balodis (Frances) and one daughter Gunta Towsley (formerly Pasquino). She has four grandchildren, Mark Balodis (Sylvie), Olivia Riddell (David), Kevin Pasquino (Lesley), and David Pasquino (Diana). She has five great grandchildren – Quinn and Logan Riddell, and Gabriel, Zachary, and Rosalind Pasquino.

In Regina’s 1975 graduating yearbook from Quo Vadis she wrote, “O’ time arrest your flight! And you, propitious hours arrest your course! Let us savour the fleeting delights of our most beautiful days.” The Lare, 1820.

Cremation has taken place and no service will be held at this time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Regina’s memory to St. Thomas Anglican Church – Ullswater/Bent River or to The Muskoka Men of Song in support of bursaries for music students in Muskoka. This can be arranged through Reynolds Funeral Home, please make cheques payable to either of the two organizations and mail to Reynolds Funeral Home, 1 Mary Street, Bracebridge ON, P1L 2B6.