GAUDET (Balcome), Marilyn Evangeline - It is with deep sadness that the family of Marilyn Evangeline Gaudet (Balcome), a resident of Mountain Lea Lodge, Bridgetown, Nova Scotia announces her passing in Soldier's Memorial Hospital on May 7, 2014 at the age of 86. Born September 20, 1927 in Lynn, Massachusetts, USA. Marilyn was the daughter of Gordon and Goldie (Guest) Marshall. Upon completion of high school in Framingham, Mass., Marilyn returned to Canada in 1946 where she worked as a school teacher in Lake LaRose, Annapolis County, NS. Marilyn married Douglass Norman Balcome in January of 1947 and they made their home in Paradise, NS where they resided for many years and raised seven children. After 55 years of marriage, Norman died in 2001. For many years Marilyn was a member of the Paradise Baptist Church where she sang in the choir and was a member of the Women's Institute. For a period of time Marilyn was a member of the Catholic Church. Over the years she worked at the Maple Grove Restaurant and spent 17 years as a nurse's aide at Mountain Lea Lodge. Marilyn devoted the majority of her working life to her large family as a homemaker, loving wife and mother, a caring sister, friend, grandmother, great-grandmother but her greatest devotion was to her seven children. Marilyn always put the needs of others before her own and will always be remembered as an extremely caring, thoughtful and generous lady with a great sense of humor who loved to dance, joke, laugh, shop and listen to music. She is survived by her second husband Raymond, daughters Sharon (Rod) Slauenwhite, Lawrencetown, Doreen (Tom) St.Onge, Dartmouth, Heather (David) Steadman, North Williamston; sons, Eric (Susan) Balcome, Nictaux, Terrrance (Joan) Balcome, Nictaux, Blair (Connie) Balcome, North Williamston, Norman (Sandy) Balcome, Middleton, and 16 grandchildren, Martin, Lori, Michelle, Marc, Julie, Drew, Melissa, Jillian, Jennifer, Erin, Matthew, Kendra, Alex, Courtney, Adam, and Amanda and 17 great-grandchildren. Also survived by sister-in-law Marjorie Marshall and brother-in-law Edward Balcome. Marilyn was pre-deceased by her loving husband, Norman, brothers Lormoire, Ronald, Thurston, Clesson and sisters, Juanita and Katherine. She will be sadly missed by her wonderful son-in-laws and daughter-in-laws. A special thank you to Dr. Goodine and the wonderful nursing staff at the Soldier's Memorial Hospital and the caring staff at Mountain Lea Lodge. Visitation will be Friday, May 9th from 7-9 pm in Middleton Funeral home, 398 Main Street (902)825-3448, where the funeral will be held at 2 pm, Saturday, May 10, 2014 with Rev. Patty Beals officiating. Interment will be in Fairview Cemetery, Lawrencetown. Donations may be made in her memory to the Heart and Stroke, or a charity of your choice. Online guestbook may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com