Marion Jean Balisky, 101, of Sexsmith, Alberta, passed away on Monday, April 6, 2026.

Jean was born on September 22, 1924, in Sexsmith, to Lee and Gladys Warren, and was a precious gift to her family from the very beginning. At ten years old, she gave her heart and life to the Lord at Bear Lake Bible Camp—a decision that faithfully guided her every step. From that young age, she carried a deep calling to serve as a missionary in Africa.

After graduating from Peace River Bible Institute, she stepped out in faith and joined the Sudan Interior Mission. In January 1948, Jean began her journey of obedience, travelling by train to New York City and then by ship to Lagos, Nigeria.

In February 1949, she married Ralph Balisky in Kano, Nigeria, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in faith and service. Together, they served at Roni Boys Home, where Jean was lovingly known as Uwargida (“Mother of the House”). With a gentle spirit and a mother’s heart, she cared for and guided the boys until 1976. The seeds of love, truth, and faith planted during those years have touched generations, and their full impact will only be known in eternity. Jean’s life was a beautiful reflection of her Saviour, marked by quiet strength, unwavering faith, and a deep love for others. She lived to serve, to give, and to point people to the Lord she loved so dearly.

Jean was predeceased by her loving husband, Ralph; her parents; her sister, Mary; and her brothers, Walter and Sid, as well as their spouses.

Jean leaves to mourn her son, Warren (Kay), and their children, Steven (Loni), Micah (Hannah), and Sabrina (Carson); her daughter, Marlene (Lyndon), and their children, Lynnea (Corey), Madison, and Zachary; and her cherished great-grandchildren, Troy, Eli, and Lincoln.

Though she is deeply missed, we rejoice in the assurance that she is now in the presence of her Lord and Saviour, whom she served so faithfully.

Jean’s interment will be held on Monday, April 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Emerson Trail Cemetery in Sexsmith. The memorial service will follow at 1:30 p.m. at McLaurin Baptist Church in Grande Prairie (10913 107 Ave), followed by desserts and coffee.

For those who cannot attend in person, the service will be livestreamed. Link will be available 5 minutes prior to the service.

In honour of Jean, memorial donations may be made to SIM Canada (https://engage.sim.ca/project/training-center-for-widows-and-women-in-need), which will support Threads & Light Jos Widows Ministry (to learn more, visit https://www.facebook.com/share/1CgykPzhLy/?mibextid=wwXIfr). Donations may also be made to Refresh Ministries (https://www.refreshministries.org/giving or see the “Live Stream, Photos & Video” tab for QR code).

While every effort is made to ensure a smooth livestream, technical or broadcast issues may occasionally occur beyond the control of Oliver’s Funeral Home.