Josephine (Jo) Balda passed away peacefully on May 26th at Regency on Whidbey. She was born on October 3, 1922 to Jake and Jennie (Fakkema) Balda.
The fourth child in a family of 6 she was born and raised in Oak Harbor by a fine Christian family.
Jo started her banking career on March 30, 1942. She was the third woman to be hired by the bank. Jo was also the first woman to make officer status in her branch, and the third woman in the system.
Banking became her life. She rarely missed a day of work. She also was a joiner. Jo belonged to many organizations and served on numerous boards. Due to her love of figures she served as treasurer on many of the organizations. Never having married, she had the time to devote to the groups and was able to attend most of the meetings-when they didn’t conflict.
Due to her being active within the community she was the recipient of many awards and honors. She was also active within her church and was a lifelong member of the Christian Reformed Church and rarely missed a service.
God had truly blessed her and she always tried to give him the honor of her success.
Her parents and all of Jo’s siblings preceded her in death: Sally (Vernon) Eerkes, Elsie Balda, Harry Balda, Agnes (Jack) Hamming, Etta (Elmer) Hamming.
She is survived by one sister-in-law Agnes Bos, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 2, 2017 at 2:00. The service will be held at the Christian Reformed Church, Pastor Randy Beumer presiding.
The family suggests memorial donations can be made to Oak Harbor Christian School and/or Pregnancy Care Clinic in Oak Harbor.
Services were entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home. To share messages or condolences, please visit Jo’s Book of Memories page on the funeral home website at www.wallinfuneralhome.com.
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