It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, mama, sister, aunt, godmother, niece, cousin and friend.
Born on November 18, 1956, in Grand Rapids, Manitoba, to Louise (née Ferland) and William Ballantyne, she passed away on December 30, 2025, after a prolonged illness.
Surrounded by her loving children and siblings, Myra's spirit and passion for life will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Myra spent most of her life in Grand Rapids, where she attended school before graduating from the PENT program, earning her degree in education. She dedicated an impressive 42 years of her career to the Frontier School Division, with a brief two-year stint in Jack Head where she explored new opportunities. Myra retired from the Grand Rapids School and Frontier School Division on June 27, 2018, but her love for teaching led her back into the classroom as a substitute teacher. She enjoyed the land-based program and assisted in the Cree language program as well. She took great pride in educating all children especially her own and was supportive in all her grandchildren's achievements encouraging their love for learning.
In addition to her teaching career, Myra was actively involved in her community. She participated in various committees, including Maytahway Days and Winter Festival, the Trappers Association, the Catholic Women's Committee, and served on the Misipawistik Cree Nation Health Board. Her commitment to community service extended to the Citizens on Patrol program, the Fiddle Jam, and as a 4-H teacher. In her leisure time, she enjoyed watching curling, playing slots, and participating in any form of bingo, often initiating “one round” of cards and bringing laughter and joy to those around her.
Family travel was a cherished tradition, as she loved taking her children and grandchildren on trips whenever possible.
Myra leaves behind her companion, Tom Walker (Choom), and her beloved children, Donna (Vernon) McKay and Adrien (Charlene) Flamand. She adored her grandchildren—Brandy, Keanu, Emma, William, Kalel, Verna, Lil Myra, AJ, Aaliyah (Manny), Kellen—and her great-grandchild, Violet Rose. Myra also welcomed Carson Ferland-Cook and Delyla Beardy into her home, cherishing them as her own. Lastly, she leaves behind her beloved dog Cooper, who brought her endless happiness
She is survived by her siblings: Charlie (Kathy), Edwin (Annie), Marlene (Doug), Mary, Doug, Agnes (Michael), Neil (Theresa), Donald (Corinne), William (Alison), Joey (Doris), and numerous nieces, nephews, and godchildren. Myra was also dearly loved by her aunts Jeannie McKay and Dorothy (Bert) Travers.
She was predeceased by her parents, brother Joseph, nephews Maurice, William, and Phillip, nieces Kristy and Lyla. Grandparents Angelique and George Ballantyne, Baptiste and Marie Ferland, uncles Henry, Arthur, Reuban, Auntie 's Grace and Nora, Uncles Stanley, Bill, Adelard, Ernie, Johnny, Aunties, Lena, Yvonne and Agnes. and Special friend Bernice Ross nee Guiboche.
A heartfelt acknowledgment to Madeline Cook and Norma Ferland for being such incredible friends to our beloved Myra. Your daily phone calls, visits, and shared laughter brought immense joy to her life. Thank you for being such a vital part of her journey. Your memories together will always be cherished.
Myra's legacy of kindness, dedication to education, and love for her family and community will forever be remembered by those whose lives she touched. In honor of her memory, the family invites all who knew and loved Myra to celebrate her life and the impact she made in their hearts.
Beloved Mother
You suffered much in silence, Your spirit did not bend,
You faced your pain with courage, Until the very end.
Our hearts still ache with sadness, And secret tears will flow,
For what it means to lose you, No one will ever know.
Peace is yours, Dear Mom, It's sweet to breathe your name,
As in life we loved you, So in death we do the same.
Wake Services:
Thursday, January 15, 2026 and Friday, January 16, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. each evening at the Misipawistik Cree Nation Ininiwikamihk Cultural Centre, with Rev. Steve Martin presiding.
Funeral Service: Final Viewing will begin on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. followed by the Funeral Service, with Father Joseph presiding
Interment: Roman Catholic Church Cemetery, Grand Rapids, Manitoba
Active Pall bearers:
Charlie Ballantyne, Edwin Ballantyne, Doug Ballantyne, Neil Ballantyne Donald Ballantyne, Mal Ballantyne, Richard Ballantyne, Joey Ballantyne, Jonathon Ballantyne, Kelsey Ballantyne, Jory Ballantyne, Darius Ballantyne, Keanu Ballantyne, Brianna Ballantyne, David Ballantyne, Dominick Ballantyne, Dravin Ballantyne, Matty Ballantyne,
Honorary Pall bearers:
Madeleine Cook, Norma Ferland, Barb Shaver, Laurie Fourre, Janine McNabb, Marlene Anderson, Nancy Greer, Doris Kemp, Rita Sinclair, Ann Bradburn and all her family and friends too numerous to mention.
Appreciation:
The family would like to thank the Staff at Grand Rapids School, the Misipawistik Cree Nation, MCN Health Authority Home Care Program, and the health care team at the Grand Rapids Nursing Station.
You Meant So Much
You meant so much to all of us, You were special and that's no lie
You brightened up the darkest day, And the cloudiest sky
Your smile alone warmed hearts, Your laugh was like music to hear
I would give absolutely anything, To have you well and standing near
Not a second passes, When you're not on our minds
Your love we will never forget, The hurt will ease in time
Many tears I have seen and cried, They have all poured out like rain
I know that you are happy now, And no longer in any pain.
