August 7, 1930 - February 13, 2021
Born on a farm in Saskatchewan to Hungarian parents, along with 5 brothers and 2 sisters. Mom grew up on the farm, moving to Vancouver where she met and
married Bryon. They moved to Port Alberni to raise their 3 children, Theresa, Dave and Jim.
She had several jobs in her life, beginning at the kitchen in the hospital in Kipling, waitressing in Vancouver and also a swimsuit model! Ironically, she never learned to swim.
She also worked for an agency that prepared food and supply kits for Canadian
Armed Service personnel for the Korean War. Mom loved Vancouver and all it had to offer, dancing and fashion, the city itself.
Mom was very involved with raising her children, from becoming a Brownie leader to attending PTA meetings and everything in-between for them and the community. Despite all her activities, she still had time and energy to support her faith in the Catholic Church, singing in the choir, baking and knitting for bazaars, active with the CWL.
Mom loved her garden and kept busy at it until the last couple of years. Her home was always open for our friends to come by, always room at the table for another guest. Dancing was always fun, whether in the living room with the kids or down at the Harbour Quay or Parksville Legion or the Hanson Hall as well as any place there was music, she would get up and dance.
Her companion, Dave Ball would escort her to these events and she would keep him dancing the whole time! They had many good times together and shared a love for dogs, Sammy and Sammy 2. As one of her Granddaughters said, Nana was a force to be reckoned with...nothing could hold her down!
Mom was predeceased by her parents, Jim and Eva Balogh; 2 brothers, Jim and Emile Balogh; 2 sisters, Mary Balogh and Erma Gallagher; her husband Bryon Latham and granddaughter Pamela Ferreira.
She is survived by her 3 children Theresa (Ted) Franks, Dave Latham and Jim Latham; Grandchildren Darren (Maria) Ramsey, Charity Noble, Bryon Noble, Angela (James) Inglis, Elizabeth (Adam) Hrycan, David (Melanie) Latham and her precious great grandchildren Emily, Alicia and Vicente Ferreira, Reid and Brooklyn Inglis, Eden and Sonny Young and one baby Hrycan on the way; companion Dave Ball, Sammy dog as well as many nieces, nephews and many
who called her Nana.
Mom enjoyed good health until Alzheimer's took her memory away. We would like to thank all the home support staff who helped us have Mom home for her last few weeks.
Mom loved flowers, so buy yourself or a loved one a bouquet and remember, family is number one.
Because of Covid, there will be only a small family service. Stories, condolences and messages may be messaged to the family at www.chapelofmemories.ca